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CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS 

OF 

SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB. 

VOL.  II. 
1778- 1782. 


OF  THIS  LETTER-PRESS  EDITION 
350    COPIES    HAVE  BEEM    PRINTED. 


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CONTENTS  OF  VOL  II, 


PAGE 

1778. 

From  General  Washington,  January  8th i 

Reasons  that  prevent  him  from  acting  in  his  behalf— General  rule  to 
govern  exchanges. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  January  8th 2 

Proposes  an  exchange — Wishes  to  go  to  Newport  on  parole — Asks  for 
his  influence. 

From  Robert  Walker,  January  i6th 4 

Wishes  to  share  in  a  privateer. 
From  Robert  Walker,  January  23d 5 

Privateering  venture. 
To  Major-General  Heath,  January  25th 6 

Expectations  of  an  exchange. 
Washington  to  Major-General  Putnam,  January  25th 7 

Return  of  captures  from  Webb's  Regiment — Works  in  the  Highlands — 
Unfair  system  of  exchanges. 
Thomas  Mumford  to  Philip  Dumaresq,  January  29th 8 

Introducing  Colonel  Webb. 
From  Brigadier-General  Parsons,  February  8th 8 

Faith  of  Governor  Clinton   not  shaken — Intelligence — Orders  to  join 
regiment. 
From  Joseph  Webb,  February  12th 9 

Every  indulgence  to  be  granted  to  him — Advice  on  his  residence  and 
conduct — Hopes  for  a  parole — General  Lee  soon  to  come  out. 
From  Colonel  Meigs,  February  24th 11 

Personal — Hopes  for  peace. 

Parole,  February  25th • 12 

Joseph  Webb  to  Governor  Trumbull,  March  3d 12 

The  Winthrops — Young  Deane. 
From  Joshua  Loring,  March  7th 13 

Leave  to  move  as  far  as  Flushing. 
From  Joshua  Loring,  March  9th 14 

Permission  to  visit  New  York. 
Washington  to.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  March  12th 14 

Change  of  men  and  measures  in  the  Northern   department — Putnam 
must  not  return — Gates  in  charge. 

(v) 


254708 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

From  Christopher  Miller,  March  nth 15 

Quarrel  between  Bayard  and  Burd. 

From  Joshua  Loring,  March  15th 16 

A  general  exchange  anticipated. 

From  Joseph  Webb,  March  27th 16 

Good  treatment  assured — Bad  consequences  of  keeping  prisoners  long. 

From  Barnabas  Deane,  March  27th 18 

Regret  to  find  no  exchange  has  occurred — Jesse  Deane. 

From  John  Winslow,  March  28th 18 

Horses — No  parole  while  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  is  pending. 

Prisoners  of  War 19 

Sketch  of  the  principal  events  in  the  negotiations  for  a  general  cartel 
for  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  from  1775  to  March,  1778. 

To  Mrs.  Simpson,  April  4th 86 

Messages. 

From  John  Winslow,  April  13th 86 

Wishes  for  more  generous  sentiments. 

From  Amos  Bull,  April  14th 87 

Desires  a  pass  for  his  family. 

From  James  Seagrove,  April  1 5th 88 

Learns  of  his  being  a  prisoner — A  recommendation. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  to  Joseph  Webb,  April  15th Z?> 

Visits  Wethersfield— Will  labor  for  Colonel  Webb's  release. 

From  Samuel  Camfield,  April  16th 89 

Drawings  of  a  lottery. 

Elias  Boudinot  to  William  Atlee,  April  18th 89 

Why  the  conference  on  an  exchange  came  to  naught— Stopping  of  the 
Hessian  officers— Contradicting  orders. 
From  Amos  Bull,  May  2d gi 

Driven  to  flight— Gratitude  for  his  kindness. 
From  John  Winslow,  May  5th 9I  . 

Cannot  at  present  permit  his  coming  to  the  city. 
From  Louis  Pintard,  May  7th o2 

Officers  to  go  out— Settling  accounts  of  prisoners. 
From  Brigadier-General  Parsons,  May  10th 93 

Some  public  papers  forwarded. 
Elias  Boudinot  to  General  Washington,  May  13th 93 

His  reception  and  treatment  in  New  York— An  exchange  of  officers 
effected— No  provision  for  those  who  remain  prisoners. 
To  John  Winslow,  May  16th 

The  parole  renewed. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  May  18th 95 

Application  received  too  late — Will  take  the  first  opening  to  present  it. 

Report  of  a  Committee  of  Congress,  May  21st 95 

Memorial  of  American  Prisoners  on  Long  Island,  May  — 97 

From  Joseph  Webb,  May  25th 98 

Rotation  in  exchange  insisted  on — A  suggestion  from  the  East — Silas 
Deane  not  returned  from  France — Unnecessary  severity  towards  prisoners. 
From  Colonel  William  Axtell,  May  29th 99 

Privileges  to  prisoners. 
To  Colonel  Axtell,  May  30th 100 

Tryon's  documents. 

Colonel  Antill  to  Governor  Tryon,  June  2d 100 

His  papers  an  insult. 

Joseph  Barrell  to  the  Town  Committee,  June  4th 10 1 

Is  unwilling  to  serve  as  representative. 
From  Lewis  Pintard,  June  6th 101 

Return  to  New  York — Letters  and  newspapers — No  further  news  of  an 
exchange — Appointment  of  Beatty. 
From  Brigadier-General  Parsons,  June  7th 102 

His  friends  anxious  for  his  release — Pleasing  appearance  of  affairs — 
Peace  commissioners. 
From  John  Winslow,  June  13th 104 

Unfavorable  prospect  of  securing  a  parole. 
From  James  Seagrove,  June  1 7th 104 

Will  remain  in  Philadelphia — His  conduct  may  be  excused — Evacuation 
of  the  city  by  the  British — Position  of  the  American  army. 
From  Lewis  Pintard,  June  19th 105 

An  exchange  agreed  upon. 
From  Colonel  Axtell,  June  19th 106 

Permission  to  shoot. 
From  Ensign  Galloway,  June  20th 106 

Has  opened  one  of  his  letters — Reasons  for  this  act. 
From  E.  Tudor,  June  20th 107 

His  application  to  be  allowed  to  go  out. 
From  Joseph  Webb,  June  21st 107 

Some  horses  sent  in  by  Cornet  Graefe — Efforts  to  secure  his  exchange 
— Personal — Some  bills  sent — Loans  to  prisoners — Commissions  to  be  filled. 
From  Mrs.  Joseph  Webb,  June  22d , *  ro 

His  polite  treatment — Home  matters. 


viii  CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

Elias  Boudinot  to ,  June  25th in 

Disappointed  in  obtaining  mercy — Attack  upon  his  stores — Obstacles  to 
an  exchange — Evacuation  of  Philadelphia  interfered. 

Putnam  to  the  President  of  Congress,  June  30th 113 

Inquiry  into  his  conduct — In  doubt  on  the  issue — His  trying  position. 

Colonel  Tallmadge  to  Barnabas  Deane,  July  6th 114 

Losses  of  the  enemy  in  their  march  through  New  Jersey — Weak  and 
disheartened — Celebrating  July  4th. 

To  General  Leslie,  July  17th 116 

An  insult  to  a  prisoner. 

Major  Beatty  to  General  Washington,  July  18th 117 

A  partial  exchange — Differences  between  the  commissaries — Intelligence. 
From  Captain  McKissack,  July  19th 118 

Dissatisfaction  among  the  prisoners. 
To  Colonel  Axtell,  July  22d 119 

Increase  of  insults — A  request  for  change. 
From  Adjutant  Hopkins,  July  22d 120 

Wanted  a  loan — Colonel  Webb's  title. 
To  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  July  24th 120 

Wishes  to  be  released  on  parole. 
From  Major  Beatty,  July  30th 121 

Desires  a  list  of  officers  who  are  prisoners — Personal  gossip. 

Major  Beatty  to  General  Washington,  July  31st 122 

Exchange  of  marine  prisoners — The  situation  of  the  prisoners  laid  be- 
fore Congress — Detained  from  headquarters. 

To  Major  Beatty,  August  15th 123 

A  list  of  officers,  prisoners. 

From  Joseph  Webb,  August  26th 124 

Question  of  full  colonels — Must  practise  patience — Seme  exchanges — 
The  Deanes. 

To  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  August  27th 126 

Desires  to  be  released  on  parole — Urgent  reasons  for  this  indulgence. 

Brigadier-General  Parsons  to  General  Washington,  August  29th 127 

Intelligence  from  the  enemy. 

Governor  Clinton  to  the  President  of  Congress,  September  9th 128 

The  inquiry  on  the  loss  of  the  Highland  forts — Is  personally  involved  in 
the  decision — Requests  copies  of  proceedings. 

To  Joshua  Loring,  September  —  130 

Urges  his  release  on  parole. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II 


PA6E 

To  Captain  John  Webb,  November  ist 130 

Patience  nearly  exhausted — Cannot  court  a  scoundrel — Frets  over  his 
imprisonment. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  General  Washington,  November  10th 132 

Exchanging  privates  for  officers — More  of  the  convention  troops — Com- 
missioners may  meet. 
General  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  November  14th.. .   133 

The  order  recalling  paroled  officers — A  proposition  for  exchange. 
From  Silas  Deane,  November  14th 134 

Wishes  to  meet  him. 
Joseph  Webb  to  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  November  24th 135 

The  situation,  financially  and  politically — Marriage  of  Sarah  Simpson  and 
Joseph  Barrell — On  affairs  of  the  prisoners. 
From  Colonel  Chester,  December  13th 136 

His  suit  with  Johnson — Desires  a  statement  from  Colonel  Webb — The 
affidavit  sent. 

Report  of  the  Commissioners  on  Cartel,  December  15th 138. 

From  Lewis  Pintard,  December  iSth 142 

Failure  of  the  commissioners  to  agree — Cash  for  officers. 
From  Joshua  Loring,  December  19th 143 

Little  hope  of  a  general  exchange — Doubtful  of  a  parole  being  granted. 

1779. 

Colonel  Beatty  to  General  Washington,  January  3d ,   143. 

Obstacles  thrown  in  the  conduct  of  his  business — Asks  for  relief  and  in- 
structions. 

General  Phillips  to  General  Washington,  January  6th  ..,.,., 145 

Regret  at  failure  to  exchange — The  convention  troops — Proposes  a  con- 
versation. 

From  Joseph  Webb,  January  14th , 147 

Prisoners  to  go  in — Some  supplies  forwarded — Deane's  reply  to  Common 
Nonsense — Prisoners  from  the  Eagle  packet. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Baylor,  January  16th 148 

Has  leave  to  go  to  Virginia. 
Brigadier-General  Phillips  to  General  Washington,  January  16th  ...   149 
Report  on  the  conference  on  exchanges — The  troops  of  convention — 
Exchange  by  ransom. 

From  Edmund  Seaman,  January  23d 149 

Sends  Deane's  article. 

From  Captain  Heron,  January  24th 15a 

Permission  asked  to  buy  supplies. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

Brigadier-General  Phillips  to  General  Washington,  February  ist 151 

The  proposed  conference  on  prisoners — Extract  from  Sterling's  letter. 
From  Colonel  Baylor,  February  4th 152 

Will  be  permitted  to  go  out. 
To  General  Clinton,  February — 152 

Asks  leave  to  send  a  memorial  to  Congress. 
From  Joshua  Loring,  February  7th 153 

Colonel  Webb  to  accompany  Colonel  Baylor. 
From  James  Watson,  February  9th 153 

Pleased  with  the  prospect  of  his  exchange. 
Colonel  Beatty  to  General  Washington,  February  24th 154 

Statement  respecting  prisoners — The  matter  of  accounts — General  sub- 
ject of  naval  prisoners. 
Colonel  Chester  to  Royal  Flint,  February  26th 156 

His  trial — Summary  of  the  arguments  for  and  against — Colonel  Webb's 
deposition  not  sufficiently  full. 
From  General  Washington,  February  25th 158 

Sends  a  calculation  of  prisoners. 
From  Colonel  Chester,  February  28th 158 

Urges  him  to  visit  Wethersfield — His  testimony  on  the  suit  of  Johnson. 
To  the  President  of  Congress,  March  5th 160 

Report  on  the  memorial  of  the  prisoners — Resolution  of  Congress. 
Washington  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  March  14th 161 

Regrets  failures  to  agree  on  exchanges — Proposes  a   new  meeting  of 
commissioners. 
From  William  Duer,  March  20th 163 

News  from  the  southern  department. 
From  Captain  Swan,  March  30th 163 

A  mission  to  Philadelphia  to  secure  money  for  prisoners. 
To  Joshua  Loring,  April  4th 164 

An  officer  should  attend  the  meeting  of  commissioners  at  Amboy — Gen- 
eral Thompson  proposed. 
From  Silas  Deane,  April  1 7th 165 

Is  about  to  set  out  for  Camp. 
From  Colonel  Beatty,  April  16th 165 

The  meeting  of  the  commissioners — The  extravagant  demands  of  the 
British — Obstacles  to  an  agreement. 
From  James  Keene,  April  22d 167 

End  of  the  meeting  of  the  commissioners. 
From  Brigadier-General  Thompson,  April  27th 167 

An  active  campagn  promised.     The  meeting  at  Amboy. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

From  Joshua  Loring,  May  9th 168 

Hopes  to  send  a  parole  release. 
From  Brigadier-General  Thompson,  May  9th 168 

Can  go  out  on  parole. 
To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  May  28th 1 69 

Order  of  Congress  respecting  Phillips  and  Riedesel — Miss  Bancker. 
From  Major  Huntington,  June  13th 1 70 

Accounts  of  the  regiment — Difficulty  in  disciplining  troops — Lieutenant- 
colonel  Livingston — Regiment  anxious  for  his  release. 
From  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  June  1 7th 171 

In  a  villainous  country — Position  of  the  enemy. 
From  Captain  John  Webb,  June  19th 1 72 

May  have  leave  of  absence  if  the  Colonel  writes. 
From  Adjutant  Hopkins,  June  19th 1 72 

News  from  Flat  Bush — A  notable  dinner. 
From  Joshua  Loring,  June  20th 1 74 

No  objection  to  exchanging  him  but  for  the  injustice  to  others — The  ex- 
pectations of  the  British  in  a  cartel. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  July  4th 1 75 

Returns  from  the  East — A  capture  by  a  privateer. 
From  Major-General  Gates,  July  4th 1 76 

To  celebrate  Independence. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  July  6th 1 76 

Some  prizes  sent  in — British  repulsed  at  Charleston. 

To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  July  9th 177 

The  certificate  and  hope  of  an  exchange— Miss  Bancker — The  descent 
on  New  Haven  and  Fairfield — Congress  ! 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  July  nth 1 79 

Ravages  of  the  enemy  in  New  Haven  and  Fairfield — Instances  of  their 
brutality — Movements  of  the  British  from  New  York — Penobscot — Caro- 
lina news  false. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Harrison,  July  14th 182 

General  rule  of  exchanges — Beatty  to  meet  Loring. 

From  Nancy  Johnson,  July  1 5th 182 

A  friendly  letter — Distressing  situation  on  the  sea-cjast. 

To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  July  24th 183 

Will  soon  be  a  freeman. 

To  Joshua  Loring,  July  27th 184 

Sends  the  Consul's  certificate — Violators  of  parole. 


xii  CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II 

PAGE 

Silas  Deane  to  Simeon  Deane,  July  27th 185 

Disorders  in  Philadelphia — Plundering  in  Connecticut — Reinforcements 
from  England — Paine — Public  meetings — Abuse  of  Holker. 

From  Joshua  Loring,  July  31st 188 

Breakers  of  parole — Agreement  for  an  exchange. 

From  Brigadier-General  Glover,  August  1st 189 

Intelligence  of  the  enemy's  movements — Charleston  the  probable  object. 

From  Colonel  Beatty,  August  9th 190 

The  certificate — Will  favor  him  to  the  extent  of  his  power — A  false  con- 
ception of  the  conference. 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  August  15th 192 

Ffas  full  power  to  use  certificate — Hopes  of  a  release — Prizes — The  prison 
ships — Personal — News  from  the  south — A  fleet  preparing  to  sail  from 
New  York. 

From  Joseph  Barrell,  August  12th 194 

A  wish  for  peace — The  Penobscot  expedition — Prizes  and  their  contents. 

To  Major-General  Gates,  August  13th 195 

A  criticism  of  Congress — The  near  approach  of  his  freedom — The 
French  fleet  and  their  conquests — The  king  of  Prussia  offers  his  mediation. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Harrison,  August  25th 197 

Nothing  done  about  the  certificate — No  objection  can  be  made  to  its  use 
— No  distinction  can  be  made  in  prisoners. 

From  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  August  24th 198 

Every  effort  will  be  made  to  secure  his  release — Lee's  exploit  at  Paulus 
Hook — Box  for  Dr.  Skinner. 

General  Washington  to  the  States,  August  26th 198 

Violators  of  parole  to  be  returned. 

Joseph  Webb  to  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  September  1st 199 

Business  matters — House  building — Watson's  types — McFingall — A 
good  pi  inter  needed  at  Hartford. 

Baron  Steuben's  report  on  Col.  Webb's  regiment,  September  22d 201 

General  Washington  to  Colonel  Beatty,  September  23d 201 

Negotiations  for  an  exchange — Established  rule — Position  of  the  enemy 
— Question  of  composition  and  a  tariff — How  Loring  is  to  be  answered — 
Colonel  Webb's  case. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Harrison,  September  25th 203 

Commissions  sent — Mulish  obstinacy  of  the  enemy — An  answer  sent. 

From  Major-General  Greene,  September  27th 204 

Justice  will  be  done  in  due  season — A  memorial  from  the  officers  to 
Congress. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xiii 


PAGE 

Silas  Deane  to  Simeon  Deane,  September  28th 204 

Setting  out  for  France — Changes  in  the  diplomatic  service. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  October  4th 205 

Some  prizes  taken — The  French  fleet  on  the  Georgia  coast. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  October  6th 206 

Introduces  Beatty— The  subject  of  the  certificate— The  French  fleet. 
Joshua  Loring  to  Colonel  Beatty,  October  12th 207 

Demands  for  returns — The  Eagle  prisoners — An  agent  to  be  in  Phila- 
delphia. 

From  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  October  15th 208 

An  active  campaign  in  prospect — Intends  to  resign— Joseph  Webb's 
proposal. 

From  Major-General  Greene,  October  19th 208 

Departure  of  his  brother — Exchange  must  be  insisted  on — Sherburne 
disputes  his  rank — The  French  admiral  and  the  coming  campaign. 

From  Colonel  Beatty,  October  24th - 209 

Arrives  at  Fishkill — Evacuation  by  the  British  of  the  Highland  forts —  , 
Intelligence. 

Major-General  Phillips  to  General  Washington,  October  26th 210 

Flis  conversation  with  Major  Skinner — Sir  Henry  Clinton's  wishes — 
Views  on  the  troops  of  convention — Why  a  special  rule  must  apply — Offers 
his  services. 

From  Colonel  Beatty,  October  27th 213 

No  hope  of  an  exchange — Recall  of  the  paroled  prisoners — Reasons  for 
this  act. 

From  Major-General  Greene,  October  28th 214 

Public,  not  private  interest  must  control — Should  bring  the  case  of  Phil- 
lips and  Riedesel  before  Congress — Movements  of  the  enemy. 

Baron  Riedesel  to  William  Fitzhugh,  November  1st. 215 

His  progress  to  New  York — Stopped  by  order  of  Congress  at  Elizabeth- 
town — Is  in  need  of  good  medical  attention — Has  appealed  to  Washington. 

To  the  President  of  Congress,  November  13th 217 

The  case  of  Phillips  and  Riedesel — Asks  that  the  resolution  be  rescinded. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Connolly,  November  16th 220 

Wishes  to  effect  his  own  exchange. 

Major-General  Phillips  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  November  20th 220 

High  sense  of  honor  in  Colonel  Webb — Asks  that  the  Americans  on 
parole  be  permitted  to  remain  out — Is  about  to  come  to  New  York. 

Joshua  Loring  to  Colonel  Beatty,  November  24th 221 

Exemptions  from  the  summons  to  return. 


xiv  CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  November  30th 222 

His  exchange  on  the  certificate — His  horse. 

From  Major-General  Phillips,  December  2d 223 

His  exchange  not  forgotten — Will  meet  any  commissioners  Washington 
may  appoint. 

To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  December  9th 224 

Sherburne's  disputing  his  rank — A  state  of  the  case — Disappointment  in 
a  purchase  of  powder — Public  and  private  morals  at  a  low  point — A  rumor 
of  a  prize. 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  December  1  ith. 227 

At  home  once  more — To  remain  a  prisoner — Prize  matters. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Ramsey,  December  14th 228 

Requests  his  attendance  in  Philadelphia. 

General  Phillips  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  December  20th 229 

Submits  a  scheme  of  exchanges — Suggests  a  conference  with  the  Ameri- 
cans— Officers  to  be  released  on  parole — Is  ready  to  serve. 

From  Major-General  Greene,  December  21st 230 

Sherburne's  claims  of  rank — The  proposed  meeting  with  Phillips — Do- 
minion of  ignorance  and  prejudice — Want  of  money — Arnold's  trial. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  December  24th 231 

Progress  of  hutting  at  Morristown — Uniform  and  scarlet  coats — A  duel 
between  Livingston  and  Van  Zandt — Money  good  for  nothing. 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  Major-General  Phillips,  December  24th 232 

Agrees  to  the  conference  on  an  exchange. 

To  Major-General  Phillips,  December  25th 233 

Has  represented  his  wishes  towards  an  exchange — Is  about  to  go  into 
Jersey. 

Major-General  Phillips  to  Colonel  Magaw,  &c,  December  25th 234 

As  to  the  exchange — Some  political  observations — The  sad  alternative — 
Cannot  agree  to  what  is  undignified. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  December  29th 235 

On   forwarding  clothing — The   proposition   for   exchange   laid   before 
Washington — Settling  depreciation. 
Proposition  for  an  exchange 236 

1780. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  January  6th 240 

In  distress  for  meat — Good  conduct  of  the  men — Clothing  drawn — Re- 
ported capture  of  Pensacola. 

From  Aaron  Burr,  January  4th 241 

His  rumored  happy  prospect. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xv 

PAGE 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  January  22d 242 

Progress  of  hutting — Trial  of  Arnold — Beatty  to  be  court-martialed — 
Clothing  accounts — Staten  Island. 

Mr.  Platt  to  Joseph  Webb,  January  30th 243 

A  meeting  on  prices. 

From  Captain  Walker,  February  6th 244 

Good  condition  of  the  regiment — Sufferings  of  the  army — Clothing — A 
general  wish  for  his  presence. 

From  Samuel  Alleyne  Otis,  February  nth 246 

Messages  and  their  reception — Courtship  of  Morris — Assembly. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  February  16th 247 

Clothing  and  recruiting — Assemblies — Cold  weather. 

From  His  Officers  on  Long  Island,  February  24th 249 

In  want  of  supplies. 

From  Jonathan  Williams,  February  24th 249 

Wine  for   the  General — Reported  rising  in  Ireland — Correspondence 
desired. 

From  Captain  Walker,  February  27th 250 

Ideas  on  recruiting — Parsons'  proposition — The   regiment   on  a  good 
footing. 

From  Major  Tallmadge,  March  6th 25 1 

Recognition  of  the  regiment — Proceedings  of  the  Assembly. 

Instructions  to  St.  Clair,  Carrington  and  Hamilton,  March  8th 253 

Negotiating  a  cartel. 

From  Colonel  Beatty,  March  — 254 

Meeting  of  the  commissioners  at  Amboy — The  accounts  an  obstacle  to 
the  success  of  the  negotiation. 

From  William  Erskine,  March  25th 255 

The  gayeties  of  Philadelphia. 

From  Joseph  Barrell,  March  30th 255 

A  wish  for  his  freedom — The  successes  of  privateers — Congress  and  the 
paper  money. 

Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  March  31st 256 

The  Amboy  meeting  unsuccessful — Initiative  of  the  French  minister- 
Does  not  wish  to  decide  in  the  matter. 

From  Captain  Bulkley,  April  30th 258. 

In  want  of  cash — Desires  a  horse — Cannot  maintain  the  character  of  an 
officer  on  the  supplies  afforded. 

From  Thomas  Wooster,  May  12th 260 

Wishes  a  commission,  and  a  discharge  from  General  Washington — Would 
not  have  left  the  regiment  had  Webb  not  been  captured. 


XVI 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 


From  Manning  Merrill,  May  15th 26° 

The  Hawk  and  her  prizes— Re-election  of  Governor  Trumbull. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Blagden,  May  25th 261 

Reasons  for  retiring  from  service— Wishes  to  be  again  engaged. 

Joseph  Webb  to  a  Committee  from  Congress,  June  2d 262 

An  offer  for  a  tanning  contract. 
Arrangement  of  Officers,  June  5th 264 

Joseph  Webb  to  Governor  Trumbull,  June  nth 264 

Distresses  of  the  army — Time  for  great  exertion. 
Joseph  Webb  to  a  Committee  from  Congress,  June  14th 265 

The  State  will  exert  itself  to  raise  supplies  for  the  army — The  tanning 
proposition — A  better  system  wanted. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Morris,  June  1 7th 266 

A  medium  for  correspondence — Position  of  the  enemy. 
Joshua  Loring  to  Major  Skinner,  June  21st 267 

A  proposition  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners. 
From  Major-General  Greene,  July  4th 268 

Courtesy    to    Mrs.    Greene — Matrimony — Movements    of    Sir    Henry 
Clinton — Congress  dreaming — The  committee  of  Congress  in  camp. 
From  Major  Tallmadge,  July  6th 270 

Credit  due  to  Connecticut — Governor  Clinton  praised — Reported  arrival 
of  the  French  fleet. 
Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  July  10th 271 

Reasons  for  an   exchange  of  prisoners — Exchange  of  privates  unfavor- 
able in  a  political  view — Exchange  of  Lincoln. 
Washington  to  Abraham  Skinner,  July  12th 273 

A  proposition  from  the  British  on  prisoners — Colonel  Webb  must  be 
released  on  the  certificate. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  July  16th 274 

Is  embarking  for  Newport — It  may  be  worth  his  while  to  join  him. 
From  Lewis  Morris,  Jr.  July  22d 275 

A  letter  forwarded — Imprudence  in  visiting  Newport. 

Arrangement  of  Webb's  Regiment,  July  23d 276 

Washington  to  Abraham  Skinner,  July  24th 277 

The  proposition  for  an  exchange — Privates  cannot  be  connected  with 
officers — Prisoners  in  New  York — Directions  respecting  Duportail  and 
Burgoyne. 

From  Joseph  Webb,  July  25th 278 

Hides  from  the  French  Camp — Wadsworth's  attitude. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xvii 

PAGE 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  August  19th 279 

Uneasiness  in  the  army — His  regiment  insufficiently  officered — Promo- 
tions— Short  of  light. 

Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  August  24th 280 

Exchange  of  officers — A  meeting  between  Lincoln  and  Phillips — Bur- 
goyne  and  the  American  colonels — The  special  cases  of  Colonel  Webb  and 
Lieut.-Col.  Ramsey. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  August  30th 281 

Two  duels — Commissions  still  wanting — A  forage  for  the  starved  army — 
Great  want  of  meat — Paper  money  not  worth  a  straw — A  new  system 
needed. 

Washington  to  Major-General  Lincoln,  September  10th. , ,  < .  28*3 

The  interview  with  General  Phillips — Hopes  to  extend  the  rule  of,  ex- 
change— Mr.  Skinner  will  attend. 

Washington  to  Abraham  Skinner,  September  1 7th 285 

Objects  of  his  mission — A  wide  principle  of  exchange — A  rule  of  com- 
position— The  release  of  Duportail — Colonel  Webb's  situation  and  just 
claims  to  be  exchanged — Violators  of  parole — Lieut.-Col.  Stacey— A  report 
to  be  made. 

Abraham  Skinner  to  Joshua  Loring,  September  21st. ... ., 287 

A  proposition  to  exchange  all  officers — Special  cases. 

Joshua  Loring  to  Abraham  Skinner,  September  22d 288 

Privates  must  be  included  in  the  exchange — Previous  negotiations  in  the 
matter — A  counter  proposition — The  troops  of  Convention — Alternative,  if 
no  exchange  takes  place. 

Major-General  Lincoln  to  Washington,  September  25th 291 

No  exchange  likely,  while  confined  to  officers — A  great  objection  re- 
moved— Reasons  in  favor  of  an  exchange — Bad  effects  upon  the  recruiting 
service — Possible  removal  of  the  prisoners. 

From  Major  Tallmadge,  September  30th 293 

Arnold's  treason — Andre's  hard  position — Not  taken  under  a  flag— His 
marriage. 

From  Lieutenant- Colonel  Huntington,  October  1st 297 

The  flight  of  Arnold — Capture  of  Andre — Nothing  said  of  a  general  ex- 
change—Messages. 

From  Richard  Cary,  October  1st 298 

Hopes  to  attend  his  marriage. 

From  Abraham  Skinner,  October  1st 299 

Lincoln's  letter  to  Washington — Wishes  his  influence — Prisoners  may  be 
sent  to  Halifax. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

From  Major-General  Howe,  October  3d 300 

Why  Captain  Webb  should  not  resign. 

Washington  to  Abraham  Skinner,  October  7th 300 

Is  willing  to  include  privates  in  the  exchange — Particular  exchanges — 
Colonel  Webb's  position — Business  to  be  expedited. 

To  Governor  Livingston,  October  16th 302 

Mrs.  Bancker's  wish  to  visit  New  York — A  permit  requested. 

Report  of  a  Committee  of  Congress,  October  16th 302 

On  exchange  of  prisoners. 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  October  29th 304 

His  marriage  with  Miss  Bancker — Why  his  intentions  had  not  been  an- 
nounced— Is  to  be  exchanged. 

From  Major  Tallmadge,  November  4th 307 

The  new  establishment  of  the  army — Officers  inclined  to  resign — Should 
repair  to  camp — Many  matters  to  be  determined — Sheldon  is  acquitted. 

Proposition  for  an  Exchange,  November  4th 308 

To  Joseph  Webb,  November  13th 309 

Failure  of  letters — Washington  congratulates  him  upon  his  release — The 
new  arrangement — Hopes  for  a  leave  of  absence — The  new  officers. 

From  Joseph  Barrell,  November  20th 311 

Congratulations  on  his  marriage. 

Washington  to  General  Clinton,  November  20th 312 

Is  authorized  to  enter  into  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners — Payment  of 
accounts. 

From  James  Seagrove,  November  25th 313 

His  esteem  not  lessened — A  prisoner  on  parole — Personal. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  November  27th 314 

Social  activity  at  Wethersfield — Is  again  arranged  in  the  army — Winter 
quarters. 

From  Major-General  Howe,  November  27th 315 

Congratulations — As  to  brother  Jack. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  December  27th 316 

A  married  man — Is  finally  exchanged. 

1781. 

From  Samuel  Alleyne  Otis,  January  2d , 318 

Why  he  did  not  prolong  his  visit. 

Orders  on  Rejoining  his  Regiment,  February  7th 319 

To  Major-General  Parsons,  February  7th 320 

Men  fit  to  be  discharged. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

From  Major-General  Parsons,  February  7th 321 

Permission  to  discharge  the  men. 
From  Captain  Bulkley,  February  16th 321 

Reduced  circumstances — Officers  ordered  to  Camp — Why  he  cannot  at- 
tend. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  February  18th 323 

Would  like  to  be  enrolled  in  the  Connecticut  line — No  objection  thus 
far  raised. 

From  Alexander  Hamilton,  February  22d 324 

Will  use  his  best  endeavor  to  secure  his  wish. 
From  Alexander  Hamilton,  March  2d 324 

Leave  granted  under  a  condition. 
To  Major-General  Heath,  March  3d 324 

Why  he  was  compelled  to  leave  camp — Hopes  the  reasons  will  be  laid 
before  the  General. 
To  Major-General  Parsons,  March  7th 326 

His  absence  excusable — Wishes  to  avoid  criticism — A  free  statement  of 
the  reasons. 
From  John  Philips,  March  21st 329 

Evils  of  the  recruiting  service — A  Connecticut  trick — Intelligence — Con- 
duct of  the  Assembly — His  officers'  movements. 
From  James  Seagrove,  March  25th 330 

Intelligence  from  the  southern  army — Losses  at  St.  Eustatius — Wishes 
a  horse. 
From  Colonel  Moylan,  March  28th 332 

Is  to  go  to  Lancaster — An  engagement  between  the  fleets. 
From  Governor  Clinton,  April  3d 332 

Reasons  for  refusing  a  pass  to  Mrs.  Bancker. 
From  Major  Wyllys,  April  4th 333 

No  fault  found  with  him — Distribution  of  recruits — Inoculation — Offi- 
cers of  the  regiment. 
From  Lieutenant  Parsons,  April  6th 334 

Is  obliged  to  resign. 
From  Major  Wyllys,  April  18th 335 

His  presence  in  camp  much  needed — Intercepted  letters. 

Proceedings  of  a  court-martial,  May  7th 336 

From  Major-General  Parsons,  May  7th 336* 

Record  of  Collier's  trial  defective — Escorts  for  provisions  and  prisoners. 
From  Ensign  Booth,  May  14th 337 

Why  he  cannot  continue  in  service — His  resignation  enclosed. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

The  conference  between  Washington  and  Rochambeau  at  Wethers- 
field  339 

From  William  S.  Livingston,  May  28th 341 

News  from  the  Southern  army — Mutiny  in  the  Pennsylvania  line — Cool- 
ness of  Wayne. 

From  Richard  Demery,  June  5th 342 

Begs  for  assistance. 

Washington  to  Joseph  Webb,  June  17th 343 

Sends  measure  for  boots — Sickness  of  Mrs.  Washington — High  sense  of 
his  attention. 

From  Doctor  Henry  Latimer,  June  19th 343 

Directions  for  inoculation. 

To  Joseph  Webb,  June  27th 344 

Low  condition  of  Mrs.  Webb — Hetty's  return — Cannot  leave  his  regi- 
ment till  the  end  of  the  campaign — Backwardness  of  Connecticut  in  aiding 
the  army — The  action  of  the  assembly  kept  secret. 

To  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tilghman,  July  1  ith 347 

Loss  of  officers. 
To  Jeremiah  Wadsworth,  July  1 3th 347 

Desires  a  permit  for  Mrs.  Bancker  from  Gov.  Trumbull. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  July  16th 348 

Permission  to  leave  camp. 
Memorial  to  the  Governor  and  Council  of  Connecticut,  July  20th  . . .  348 

Application  for  a  permit  for  Mrs.  Bancker. 

To  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  August  3d 349 

.  His  controversy  with  Smith — Wishes  an  inquiry — Grounds  for  his  rank. 
From  Joseph  Webb,  August  4th 35 1 

The  permit  for  Mrs.  Bancker — Personal. 
To  the  Board  of  General  Officers,  August  nth 352 

His  rank. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  August  18th 358 

Every  exertion  will  be  made  in  his  interest. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  August  22d 359 

Unable  to  pay  him  a  visit — His  controversy  with  Swift. 
From  Mr.  Joseph  Webb,  August  31st 359 

Sickness  of  Mrs.  Webb — Family  matters. 
From  Governor  Livingston,  August  31st 361 

A  pass  for  Mrs.  Webb — Cannot  issue  a  permit  to  Mrs.  Bancker. 
To  Governor  Clinton,  September  3d 361 

Necessity  for  Mrs.  Webb's  removal — Governor  Livingston's  refusal. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xxi 


PAGE 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  September  7th  363 

Arrival  of  the  French  fleet— Cornwallis  to  be  surrounded— Capture  of 
Lord  Rawdon. 

From  Brigadier-General  Huntington,  September  16th 363 

No  permit  to  a  citizen  without  a  recommendation  from  the  Governor. 

From  Captain  Bulkley,  September  17th 364 

Arnold's  attack  upon  New  London. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  September  23d 365 

The  advance  upon  Cornwallis. 

To  Joseph  Webb,  October  5th 365 

Anxiety  on  Mrs.  Webb's  account— Is  to  sail  for  Connecticut— Reports 
of  Greene's  victory. 

To  William  Smith,  October  5th 367 

Application  for  a  flag. 

From  Major  John  Adam,  October  6th 368 

Name  of  sloop — Movements  of  the  enemy. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith,  October  10th 369 

Death  of  Scammell — Progress  of  the  siege. 

To  William  Smith,  October  17th 370 

The  flag  delayed. 
From  William  Smith,  October  22d 371 

All  obstacles  removed. 
From  Abraham  Skinner,  October  25th 372 

The  pass  and  some  turkeys. 

# 
From  Captain  Williams.  November  2d 372 

Celebrating  the  capture  of  Cornwallis — Regimental  matters — Rumored 

return  of  the  British  fleet. 

From  Captain  John  Webb,  November  9th 373 

Camp  news. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrell,  November  25th 374 

Death  of  Mrs.  Webb. 
From  Captain  Williams,  November  30th 375 

Letter  of  condolence — Questions  concerning  the  regiment — Regulations 
on  furloughs. 

From  William  S.  Livingston,  December  5th 377 

Sympathy  for  his  loss. 
From  Captain  Williams,  December  9th 378 

Affairs  of  the  regiment. 


xxii  CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 


PAGE 

1782. 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  January  4th  379 

Is  grateful  for  his  sympathy — Is  seeking  patience  and  resignation — Axi 
unexpected  visit  from  Mrs.  Cary. 

From  Captain  Hopkins,  January  9th 382 

Regimental  matters. 

From  Captain  Walker,  January  13th 383 

The  question  of  rank — Against  his  leaving  the  service. 

From  Captain  John  Webb,  February  3d 384 

Has  suffered  ill  treatment. 

From  Captain  Betts,  February  — 385 

The  regiment  needs  a  higher  officer. 

From  Major-General  Heath,  February  4th 386 

The  presence  of  a  field-officer  required. 

From  Richard  Cary,  February  21st 386 

Some  enclosures — Personal. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  March  16th 387 

The  regiment — Resolutions  of  the  Assembly. 

To  Evert  Bancker,  March  17th ^ 

Death  of  Mrs.  Webb. 

From  Captain  Walker,  March  28th 390 

Some  matters  concerning  the  regiment. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Trumbull,  April  15th 391 

A  salmon  for  the  General — Invitation. 

From  Lord  Stirling,  April  23d 291 

Sands'  contract. 

To  Governor  Trumbull,  May  1st 392 

A  surgeon  to  be  appointed. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  May  4th 393 

Regimental  concerns — Rumors  of  peace. 

From  Barnabas  Deane,  May  14th 394 

The  mutiny  in  camp — Mismanagement  in  every  department — Persecu- 
tions for  opinion — Deane's  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull. 

From  Captain  Rogers,  May  17th 398 

The  mutiny — Rewards  to  officers. 
From  Richard  Varick,  May  18th 399 

Wants  a  man  as  a  servant. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xxiii 

I'AGE 

From  Joseph  Barrell,  May  19th 359 

Hopes  it  is  the  last  campaign  —Personal  loss — Intelligence  on  naval  con- 
cerns— Investments. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  June  3d 401 

Recruiting  regulations  on  size — Death  of  Colonel  Durkee — A  celebration 
— Half-pay  to  officers. 

From  Major-General  Howe,  June  6th 403 

Some  fish  wanted  for  the  General's  entertainment. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Trumbull,  June  13th 403 

Invitation  for  the  General. 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington,  June  20th 404 

Rules  for  mustering — A  regimental  inquiry — Promotions — Women  more 
zealous  in  recruiting  than  men — A  suggestion. 

To  Major-General  Heath,  June  29th 406 

Recommending  some  discharges. 

From  Lord  Stirling,  July  6th 406 

Ground  to  be  examined  for  his  tent — Approbation  of  the  General. 

To  Joseph  Barrell,  August  4th 407 

Introducing  young  Craik — Trial  of    McDougall — Uncertain  operations 
— Personal. 
From  Mr.  Jackson,  August  19th 4°8 

A  servant  wanted. 
From  Captain  John  Webb,  August  21st 4°9 

Seizure  of  the  vessel. 
From  Joseph  Webb,  August  23d 4^9 

Circumstances  of  the  seizure — Governor  feels  hurt — Hopes  of  the  Say- 
brook  pirates — What  is  the  practice. 
To  Colonel  Timothy  Pickering,  August  26th 41 2 

Some  wagons  and  teams  required. 
From  Colonel  Timothy  Pickering,  August  27th 4l3 

Will  satisfy  his  wants. 
From  Colonel  Stewart,  September  3d 41 3 

An  inspection  to  be  had — Washington  to  be  present. 
To  General  Washington,  September  4th 4*4 

Arrangement  of  the  regiments — Errors  in  provision  department. 
From  Adjutant-General  Hand,  September  6th 4* 6 

A  standard  sent. 
From  Major  David  Smith,  September  7th 4*6 

Intelligence  of  the  enemy's  movements. 


xxiv  CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II. 

PAGE 

From  Joseph  Webb,  September  14th 417 

Cruelly  used — Lieutenant-Colonel  Huntington — Naval  affairs. 
Joseph  Webb  to  Governor  Trumbull,  September  17th 418 

Trial  of  his  case — Sympathy  for  him — His  services. 
From  General  Washington,  September  24th 419 

The  Light  Infantry  to  move. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Humphreys,  September  26th 419 

Orders  for  the  march — Secrecy  enjoined. 
To  General  Washington,  October  1st 420 

Calls  attention  to  a  dangerous  and  unmilitary  practice. 
From  Joseph  Webb,  October  1st 421 

Gains  his  cause — Many  questions — Supplies. 
From  Frederick  Jay,  October  7th 422 

Is  not  coming  to  Wethersfield — Wishes  some  employment. 
From  General  Washington,  October  7th 423 

Questions  the  propriety  of  Captain  Webb's  expedition. 
To  General  Washington,  October  8th 424 

Answer  to  his  question — Captain  Webb's  report. 
To  Joseph  Barrell,  October  8th 426 

Neglected  correspondence — In  command  of  the  Light  Infantry — Ingrati- 
tude of  the  army. 
From  General  Washington,  October  25th 428 

Orders  for  the  Light  Infantry. 

From  Major  Dexter,  November  2d ." 429 

Note  of  farewell. 
To  General  Washington,  November  8th 430 

Wishes  some  changes  in  the  officers — Desires.to  attend  to  the  affairs  of 
his  regiment — Leave  of  absence. 
From  General  Washington,  November  nth 432 

Cannot  interfere  in  the  arrangement — Leave  granted. 
From  General  Washington,  November  19th 432 

Order  for  details. 
Instructions  for  Colonel  Webb,  November  22d 433 

A  convention  for  the  redress  of  grievances. 
From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Tilghman,  November  26th 434 

Intelligence  and  informers. 

From  General  Washington,  December  2d •  •  •  434 

To  protect  a  foraging  party. 

To  Major-General  Huntington,  December  2d 435 

On  the  numbers  of  the  regiments. 


CONTENTS  OF  VOL.  II.  xxv 

PAGB 

Major-General  Knox  to  Colonel  Swift,  December  6th 436 

A  memorial  from  the  officers  to  Congress. 
From  Captain  Carlile,  December  7th 436 

On  leaving  the  service. 

Colonels  Swift  and  Webb  to  General  Washington,  December  nth. . .  437 

The  numbering  of  the  regiments. 
From  Major-General  McDougall,  December  15th 439 

A  man  for  a  servant  wanted. 

Arrangement  of  Regiments,  December  19th 439 

From  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith 440 

Exceedingly  busy — Latin  and  French — Will  remain  at  Head  Quarters. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGI 

Alexander  Hamilton Frontispiece 

From  a  portrait  by  John  Trumbull,  in  the  possession  of  Hon.  John  Jay. 
Governor  and  Mrs.  Jonathan  Trumbull I2 

From  a  very  early  painting  by  John  Trumbull,  in  the  possession  of  Mrs. 
Huntington,  of  Norwich,  Connecticut. 
Letter  of  Amos  Bull 90 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Flat  Bush  Gazette 142 

From  the  Webb.  MSS.     I  believe  this  to  be  in  the  script  of  Col.  Webb. 
Letter  of  George  Baylor 152 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  James  Watson 160 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  Joshua  Loring 169 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  General  GatesI 176 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Jeremiah  Wadsworth  and  his  Son 208 

From  a  painting  by  John  Trumbull,  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Adams. 
Letter  of  Aaron  Burr 241 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Ebenezer  Huntington 264 

From  a  portrait  by  John  Trumbull. 
Letter  of  General  Greene 268 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  General  Howe 300 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
William  Stephen  Smith 323 

From  a  portrait  by  John  Trumbull. 
The  Webb  House  at  Wethersfield 339 

From  a  photograph  taken  in  1892. 
Letter  of  William  S.  Smith 359 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 

(xxvii) 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PAGE 

Letter  of  William  Livingston 361 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  Jedediah  Huntington 363 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 

Alexander  Scammell 369 

Letter  of  Richard  Cary 386 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Letter  of  Lord  Stirling 406 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 
Uniform  of  Regiments 439 

From  the  Webb  MSS. 


THE  CORRESPONDENCE 


OF 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEYWEBB. 


FROM    GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Valley  Forge,  Jany  8*h,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  was  this  Evening  favored  with  your  Letter  of  the  29^  ult?  I  had 
heard  before  of  your  unfortunate  expedition  &  captivity,  and  not 
without  concern. 

It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  render  you  any  services  in  my 
power,  but  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  comply  with  your  request, 
without  violating  the  principles  of  Justice  and  incurring  a  charge  of 
partiality. 

You  are  sensible,  that  we  have  several  officers  now  in  captivity 
with  the  Enemy  of  your  Rank  and  of  Lieu1.  Col?  Campbell's  Rank, 
who  have  been  in  this  unhappy  situation  much  longer  than  you : 
some  taken  when  General  Thompson  was  defeated  at  the  Three 
Rivers  early  in  1775 — others  at  Long  Island  in  August  following — 
others  at  Fort  Washington  and  a  further  number  at  the  Battle  of 
German  Town.  These  gentlemen  would  surely  exclaim  loudly 
against  my  conduct  and  with  reason,  were  any  distinctions  to  be 
made  by  my  concurrence  or  authority  to  their  prejudice.  So  far  as 
Exchanges  have  depended  on  me,  or  as  they  may  rest  with  me,  they 
have  been  and  ever  will  be  conducted  on  one  principle,  to  wit,  to 
release  those  first,  who  were  first  captured,  as  far  as  circumstances 


2  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

of  Rank  would  apply.     There  is  no  other  rule  by  which  equal  and 
impartial  justice  can  be  done. 

I  know  there  have  been  some  Exchanges  contrary  to  this  rule,  but 
they  were  not  made  with  my  privity,  consent  or  approbation.  In  a 
word,  you  may  rest  assured  whenever  circumstances  put  it  in  my 
power  to  effect  your  Exchange  &  that  of  all  the  officers  and  privates, 
under  the  Restrictions  I  have  mentioned,  there  shall  not  be  a  mo- 
ment's delay  on  my  part,  but  on  other  terms,  or  in  a  different  order, 
you  will  find  on  reflection,  I  can  never  do  it.  Suppose  yourself  for 
an  Instant  an  Officer  taken  at  any  of  the  above  periods,  you  would 
consider  it  an  injury — a  wrong — an  act  of  high  injustice  done  you, 
If  one  captured  the  io*h  of  December  last  of  your  Rank  was  ex- 
changed for  you.  Perhaps  on  your  return,  you  may  have  interest 
enough  with  your  Acquaintances  to  obtain  your  release  on  parole, 
but  you  cannot  do  this  on  a  principle  of  having  an  officer  sent  in  on 
the  like  indulgence,  the  objections  to  an  Enlargement  on  parole  out 
of  due  course  in  such  case  being  the  same  as  to  an  Exchange. 
I  am 

D'  Sir 
Your  most  obedient  Servant 

G?  Washington. 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   CAMPBELL. 

Concord,  8th  January,  1778. 
Sir: 

Previous  to  your  favour  of  the  16*  Ulti?  which  only  reached  me 
this  evening,  I  took  the  liberty  of  acquainting  you  that  the  friends 
of  Col?  Ethan  Allen,  have  had  it  many  months  in  contemplation, 
his  exchange  in  my  behalf;  but  from  certain  obstructions,  which  I 
understand  originated  from  Governor  Tryon,  the  release  of  that 
Gentleman  has  hitherto  been  obstructed. 

By  a  want  of  Power  and  Interest,  the  friends  of  Col?  Allen  have 
not  been  able  to  obtain  from  the  Council  of  Boston,  my  permission 
to  go  on  Parole  to  the  City  of  New  York,  where  I  might  accomplish 
for  him,  what  I  find  my  efforts  at  this  distance  are  too  feeble  to 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB. 


effect ;  and  there  is  now  not  the  smallest  hope  of  our  mutual  ex- 
change taking  place. 

Under  such  circumstances,  I  am  naturally  led  to  bend  my  atten- 
tion to  you  Sir,  and  to  accept  with  pleasure  and  Satisfaction,  the 
well  meant  Proposition  of  my  friend  Major  Morrison.  If  any  exer- 
tions in  my  power  can  facilitate  that  business  I  shall  think  myself 
happy  in  the  attempt.  The  Difference  of  Rank  seems  to  be  the 
only  possible  objection  on  the  part  of  the  British :  on  the  side  of 
America,  there  can  be  none ;  But  as  there  is  not  of  your  rank,  an 
officer  of  the  British  Army,  a  Prisoner  of  War  in  the  hands  of  the 
Americans ;  and  as  chance  has  placed  me,  the  first  officer  of  superior 
rank  for  exchange ;  there  is  good  reason  to  believe,  the  matter  will 
meet  with  no  material  obstruction,  but  what  a  Personal  application 
on  my  part  may  effectually  remove ;  especially,  as  it  appears  by  the 
contents  of  the  letter  and  Parole  you  did  me  the  honour  to  inclose, 
that  General  Pigot  has  already  been  pleased  to  accede  to  the  agree- 
ment. 

In  the  mean  time  Sir,  I  should  esteem  it  a  singular  favour  you 
would  use  your  best  endeavours  with  the  Council  of  Boston  for  my 
immediate  permission  to  go  to  Newport  on  Parole ;  that  I  may  be 
able  to  settle  that  matter  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  any  possi- 
ble embarrassments  in  that  quarter. 

A  request  of  this  nature  when  stated  by  an  American  Officer  of 
your  character,  who  has  already  experienced  the  salutary  effects  of 
such  an  indulgence  cannot  fail  to  carry  with  it  the  most  powerful 
conviction  of  its  justice  and  propriety,  and  even  lead  the  most  scru- 
pulous to  honour  it  with  their  complience.  It  is  not  you  Sir  that 
will  reap  the  sole  benefit  of  such  attention,  but  all  whom  the  fortunes 
of  War  may  hereafter  place  into  the  hands  of  the  British  troops. 
The  instances  of  similar  acts  of  indulgences  having  been  extended  to 
Colo1.5  Miles,  and  Haussigger,  to  Lieu1.  Colo1.8  Kachline,  Moulton,  and 
Lutz,  are  sufficient  instances  to  prove  that  acts  of  generosity  in  this 
respect  are  not  uncommon  from  the  British  to  the  field  officers  Pris- 
oners of  War  in  their  hands. 

Should  Congress  and  General  Washington  approve  of  our  mutual 
exchange,  the  matter  (in  case  I  am  permitted  to  go  immediately  on 
Parole  to  Rhode  Island)  will  be  brought  to  a  speedy  issue ;  should 
they  not  happen  to  accede  to  it,  and  that  it  may  be  your  desire  to 


4  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

lengthen  your  stay  in  Connecticut,  I  shall  by  personal  application  to 
General  Pigot  prolong,  and  by  remaining  there  your  substitute,  con- 
firm an  absence. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  great  respect 

Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  and 
very  humble  Servant 

Arch?   Campbell 
Lieut.  Colo1.  71s.1  Reg*  * 


FROM    ROBERT   WALKER. 

Stratford,  i 6  January,  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  condole  with  you  for  your  misfortune  :  hope  Sir  you  will  not  be 
long  in  that  disagreeable  situation  :  my  Brother  informs  me  that  Mr. 
Broome  has  a  Privateer  called  Washington,  the  1-32  part  he  will  sell 
to  the  officers  in  the  service  :  further  informs  that  you  are  about  to 
purchase  s<?  Part.  Should  you,  my  brother  &  self  have  a  desire  to 
join  you,  to  the  amount  of  four  hundred  pounds  in  s<*  purchase. 
Your  Statements  upon  the  matter,  &  upon  what  terms  s4  part  is  to  be 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 

Archibald  Campbell  (1739-179 1 )  was  a  son  of  James  Campbell  of  Inverneil. 
He  entered  the  army  in  1757,  holding  a  commission  as  Captain  in  the  Fraser 
Highlanders,  when  Simon  Fraser  (Lord  Lovat's  son)  raised  that  regiment  for 
service  in  America  u  by  special  license  from  the  King  on  the  recommendation  of 
Mr.  Pitt."  He  served  through  the  campaign,  was  wounded  before  Quebec,  and 
after  the  disbanding  of  the  Fraser  Highlanders,  he  was  promoted  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  in  the  42d  Highlanders,  serving  in  India.  Returning  to  England  in  1773, 
he  was  elected  a  member  of  Parliament,  but  again  entered  the  service  on  the 
outbreak  of  the  American  Revolution,  and  was  again  in  Fraser's  Highlanders. 
While  on  his  way  to  America  he  was  carried  into  Boston  harbor  after  the  city  had 
passed  into  Washington's  hands,  and  so  became  a  prisoner,  with  about  two  hun- 
dred and  ten  of  his  men.  He  was  described  by  General  Ward  as  "  a  member  of 
Parliament,  and  a  gentleman  of  fortune."  In  the  year  1777  he  was  exchanged 
for  Ethan  Allen,  received  an  appointment  as  Brigadier  General,  and  did  meritorious 
service  in  Georgia.  He  returned  to  England  in  1778,  and  in  later  years,  as  Gov- 
ernor of  Jamaica  and  Madras,  he  acquitted  himself  with  honor. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  5 

purchased,  &  when  she  is  to  sail  will  oblige  us.     Have  not  to  add. 
My  brother's  compliments  to  yourself,  Brother  &  Family.     I  am  &c 

Robert  Walker.* 
P.  S.  I  would  like  to  have  one  hundred  pounds  of  the  above  sum 
in  another  Bottom  if  you  think  proper. 


FROM   ROBERT  WALKER. 

Stratford,  23  January,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

Yours  by  M*  Putnam  came  safe  to  hand,  am  sorry  we  can't  make 
a  purchase  in  the  Washington  Privateer,  from  the  character  I  have 
heard  of  her.  But  however,  our  books  tell  us  the  Race  is  not  to  the 
swift  nor  the  battle  to  the  strong.  As  M*  Broome  has  several  others 
for  sale,  am  willing  to  purchase  to  the  amount  of  four  hundred 
pounds  L [awful]  money  in  any  one,  or  more,  as  you  may  think 
proper.  I  suppose  Sir  you  have  heard  or  know  the  situation  of 
those  for  sale,  &  which  is  most  likely  to  do  well.  Should  think  the 
sooner  they  sail  the  better,  as  the  risk  is  not  so  great  off  &  on  the 
Coasts.  If  my  business  had  permitted,  should  have  done  myself  the 
pleasure  to  have  made  you  a  visit,  but  time  would  not  admit  of  it, 
as  I  expect  to  return  to  Camp  next  week :  shall  leave  the  matter 
wholly  to  you,  Sir,  and  rest  satisfied  with  what  you  do  in  the  affair. 
If  you  will  take  the  Trouble,  Sir,  you'll  greatly  oblige  your  friend 
&  Humble  servant  Robert  Walker. 

N.  B.  Would  rather  chuse  to  put  the  sum  in  two  bottoms — not 
less.f  My  mother,  sister  &  brother's  compliments  to  Col?  Webb  & 
Family  :  not  forgetting  Mrs.  Dwights  &  mine. 

*  Walker  had  entered  the  service  in  1775,  and  as  a  Lieutenant  in  Wooster's 
regiment  had  gone  to  Canada.  In  1776,  as  a  captain  in  Colonel  Samuel  Elmore's 
regiment,  he  took  the  field  in  July  under  Schuyler,  and  marching  into  Tryon 
county,  did  garrison  duty  at  Fort  Schuyler  (Fort  Stanwix).  At  this  time  he  was 
at  West  Point,  a  captain  in  Colonel  John  Lamb's  Artillery. 

t  Even  Washington  was  concerned  in  privateering,  with  John  Parke  Custis, 
George  Baylor,  and  Lund  Washington.     Writings  of  Washington,  vi.,  197. 


6  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    MAJOR-GENERAL    HEATH. 

Wethersfield  in  Connecticut 
Jan^y  25^  1778. 
Dear  General 

Thro :  the  carelessness  of  some  person  your  kind 
letter  of  the  25*  Ult™°  reached  me  only  this  Evening, 
I  am  exceedingly  obliged  for  the  Sentiments  it  con- 
tained, and  your  attention  to  my  situation,  but  much  I 
fear  it  can  be  of  little  service  towards  the  facilitateing 
my  exchange, — General  Washington  in  a  letter  just 
come  to  hand  says  "with  pleasure  he  would  consent  to 
my  immediate  exchange  for  LA  Col°  Campbell,  but  that 
many  Officers  of  my  Rank  have  been  much  longer 
Prisoners,  and  would  with  Justice  complain  of  parti- 
ality, should  he  consent" — my  only  chance  left  is,  that 
the  Enemy  may  accept  U.  Col°  Lawrence  of  the  New 
Corps  for  me,  he  has  gone  in  on  Parole  to  endeavor 
it. — Wishing  you  long  Life  and  felicity  I  am  my  Dear 
General  with  the  warmest  thanks,  and  Sentiments  of 
Esteem — 

Your  obliged  friend 
&  Most  Obed1. 
Hum1?1  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 
Compliments  to   Majors   Pollard  and  Keith,     their 
forwarding  the   enclosed  lettr.  to   Col°  Campbell   will 
much  oblige  me.* 

*  From  the  Heath  Collection  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB. 


GENERAL  WASHINGTON   TO   MAJOR-GENERAL  PUTNAM. 

[25  January,  1778.] 
Dear  Sir: 

I  was  yesterday  favor'd  with  your  Letter  of  15*  Instant  inclosing 
a  return  of  those  taken  from  Col?  Webbs  &  Ellis's  Regiments. 

I  begin  to  be  very  Apprehensive  that  the  Season  will  entirely  pass 
away,  before  any  thing  Material  will  be  done  for  the  defence  of 
Hudsons  river — You  are  well  acquainted  with  the  great  necessity 
there  is  for  having  the  works  there  finished  as  soon  as  possible,  &  I 
most  earnestly  desire  that  the  strictest  attention  may  be  paid  to 
every  matter  which  may  contribute  to  finishing  &  putting  them  in  a 
respectable  State  before  the  Spring. 

I  wish  you  had  not  waited  for  returns  of  the  Militia  to  furnish  me 
with  a  State  of  the  troops  in  that  quarter — &  if  you  do  not  get  them 
in,  before  you  receive  this,  you  will  please  let  me  have  an  Accurate 
return  of  the  Continental  troops  alone,  it  being  absolutely  necessary 
that  I  should  know  the  strength  of  your  command  as  soon  as 
possible. 

I  congratulate  you  on  the  Success  of  your  two  little  parties  against 
the  Enemy — which  I  dare  say  will  prevent  their  making  so  exten- 
sive Excursions  for  Some  time  at  least.  One  circumstance  however 
I  cannot  avoid  taking  Notice  of — that  Our  Officers  who  have  been 
but  a  very  short  time  in  the  Enemy's  hands  reap  the  advantages  cf 
any  Captures  wch  happen  to  be  made  by  us — this  must  not  be  prac- 
tiz'd  in  future,  as  it  is  the  height  of  Injustice  &  will  (if  continued) 
draw  upon  us  the  just  censure  of  the  Officers  who  have  been  for  a 
long  time  Suffering  all  the  Rigors  of  a  Severe  Captivity — The  proper 
Mode  of  proceeding  is,  to  deliver  them  into  the  Hands  of  the  Com- 
missary of  Prisoners,  who  Must  be  best  acquainted  with  the  pro- 
priety of  Complying  with  the  Claims  of  our  Officers  in  their  hands. 

I  shall  represent  your  Situation  in  the  Money  Way  to  the  Pay- 
master Gen1.  &  order  such  measures  to  be  taken  as  May  relieve  you. 

I  am  Sir 
Your  Most  Obed1.  Serv*. 

G?  Washington. 


8  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

THOMAS   MUMFORD   TO   PHILIP   DUMARESQ.* 

Hartford,  29  January,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  had  Occation  Lately  to  write  you  &  solicit  favors  for  my  son 
Giles  Mumford,  an  Ensign  in  Col?  Saml  B.  Webb's  Regiment,  who 
had  the  Misfortune  to  be  Captivated  with  his  Colonel  &c.  &c.  I 
depend  on  your  goodness  to  Render  him  every  assistance  which  he 
may  need. 

The  Bearer  of  this,  Col?  Sam1.  B.  Webb,  was  at  the  Head  of  the 
Regiment  to  which  my  said  son  Belongs.  He  is  an  intimate  friend 
&  particular  acquaintance  of  mine.  As  he  expects  soon  to  return  to 
New  York  a  prisoner,  I  have  the  Assurance  to  Recommend  him  to 
you  as  a  Gentleman  of  Delicate  Sentiment,  induced  by  the  strong- 
est Ties  of  Honor  from  which  he  cannot  Depart  (tho'  some  among 
you  may  Denominate  him  a  Rebel).  Give  me  leave  to  Recommend 
him  to  your  notice  &  Civility  (tho'  a  prisoner).  I  wish  him  to  par- 
take of  your  Liberality  with  my  son,  and  assure  you  his  Bills  on  me 
shall  meet  due  honor  for  what  you  kindly  advance  him.  If  any  of 
your  friends  &  acquaintance  meet  the  same  Reverse  of  fortune  I 
shall  be  Happy  to  Retaliate  your  (solicited)  favour,  &  am,  Dr.  Sr.  , 
your  old  friend  &c. 

Tho!  Mumford. 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL   PARSONS. 

Fishkill  8*  Feby  1778. 
Dear  Col?  : 

I  rec'd  your  Kind  Letter  of  y?  3?  Ins1,  this  Evening  on  my  Return 
from  our  mutual  Friend  Gov?  Clinton's  &  have  the  Pleasure  to  assure 
you,  his  opinion  of  you  is  not  shaken  by  any  Reports  he  has  heard ; 
if  you  should  be  exchanged  I  beg  you  to  desire  Major  Huntington  to 
come  on  to  Camp  as  soon  as  possible ;  he  is  much  wanted.  If  tis 
possible  to  procure  me  a  pencil  &  Ivory  Book ;  Buttons  for  a  Coat, 
Lining  &?  I  shall  be  particularly  obliged  by  your  Care  for  me  in  these 
matters. 

A  Declaration  of  War  between  France  &  England,  Pitt  in  admin- 
istration, a  general  Exchange  of  Prisoners  very  speedily  &  a  Prohi- 

*  A  merchant  of  New  York. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLE\   WEBB. 


bition  against  calling  us  Rebels,  gain  Credit  here.  When  y?  Drafts 
are  made  I  think  twill  be  well  to  have  some  good  Recruiting  officers 
at  Home ;  as  there's  the  greatest  prospect  of  Closing  y?  War  next 
Campaign  our  prospects  of  Recruiting  will  be  increased. 

All  other  of  your  Officers  (unless  some  special  Difficulties  subsist) 
&  all  Soldiers  whose  Furloughs  are  out  I  desire  may  be  directed  to 
join  immediately  as  the  Works  are  of  great  Importance  to  be  finished 
early  &  our  Labourers  are  few 

I  am  dear  Sir 

Yr.  Obed*  hble  Servt, 

S.  H.  Parsons.* 


FROM  JOSEPH   WEBB. 

New  Haven,  Thursday  Evening,  i  i  o'clock 
February  12th,  1778. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  am  extreemly  sorry  that  I  cou'd  not  have  spent  a  few  hours  with 
you  before  your  leaving  this  land  of  freedom  for  a  place.  I  assure 
you  that  I  did  as  much  as  was  in  my  power  to  get  you  Exchanged, 
but  all  to  no  purpose.  They  say  you  gave  'em  hopes  of  Col.  Camp- 
bell, and  they  can  take  no  other.  They  speak  much  of  your  Gentl? 
like  Conduct  towards  their  prisoners,  &  say  that  Every  Consistent 
Indulgence  shall  be  given  you.  On  your  arrival  at  Valentine's, 
shou'd  you  meet  with  Maj1:  Carden,  acknowledge  from  me  his 
politeness  to  Maj1:  Huntington,  &c,  and  I  think  you  will  find  him 
much  the  Gent1}  — General  Jones  commands  at  the  Bridge,  who  has 
been  always  extreemly  complaisant  &  civil. 

On  your  arrival  at  York  I  wish  you  to  go  direct  to  Mr.  [Miles]  Sher- 
brooke ;  it  must  be  the  first  House  you  go  to.  You'll  find  him  & 
his  Lady  quite  alone. — (I  had  engaged  you  lodgings  at  Miss  Coven- 
try's with  Christopher  Miller,  who  you'll  find  clever,  &  I  wish  you  to 
wait  on  him,)  but  M.1.  Sherbrooke  insists  upon  your  taking  Lodgings 
at  his  House,  &  I  know  not  but  it  will  be  best  for  many  reasons. 
For  however  he  says  he  differs  in  sentiment,  he  will  not  say  anything 
on  public  matters  to  you.  You  shall  live  more  retir'd  with  him  than 
other  person,  &  that  he  will  be  your  particular  friend. — Col.  Sherriff 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


to  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

was  exceeding  friendly  &  clever,  told  me  that  shou'd  you  stay  a  few 
days  after  my  arrival,  he  wou'd  take  Care  there  shou'd  no  objection 
arise  or  Exception  taken,  which  makes  me  unhappy  that  I  did  not 
see  you  before  you  went  into  York.  I  wanted  a  long  Chit  Chatt  of 
some  hours  before  I  parted  with  you.  You  are  sensible  that  One 
can  not  say  one  half  they  want  to  by  Letter. — besides  I  have  just 
come  off  of  a  most  tedious  jaunt  at  a  late  hour. — I  saw  M?  Boutinott 
[Boudinot]  in  New  York  who  hinted  to  me  that  General  Washington 
was  much  displeased  at  your  asking  the  Exchange,  when  so  many  had 
been  so  long  confin'd,  &  you  so  lately  taken.  I  made  him  no 
answer. — However,  he  can  be  of  service  to  you.  It  may  not  be 
amiss  to  you  to  go  to  Pintard's,  where  you'll  find  him ;  it's  near  Mr. 
Sherbrook. — Col?  Delancy  is  return'd  with  me, — so  is  Col?  E/y, 
Bulkeley  &  Mumford  on  parole,  and  are  unhappy  as  myself  at  not 
seeing  of  you. — General  Robertson,  his  two  Aides,  Wymn's  &  Mur- 
ray, was  vastly  polite  to  me,  and  deserve  my  particular  thanks.  I 
can  hardly  paint  to  you  the  attention  I  received  from  General  Rob- 
ertson on  Gov1:  Trumbull's  ace*  ,  on  Putnam's  as  well  as  my  own. — 
Those  Civilities  go  beyond  what  any  one  but  a  feeling  good  Heart 
can  judge  of. — In  short  I  should  not  do  Justice  to  our  most  worthy 
friend  Sherbrook,  if  I  suffered  a  line  to  pass  without  acknowledging 
his  Family's  friendly  notice  &  regard  to  me — their  warm  Attachment 
to  our  family  makes  me  love  'em — Add  to  the  rest,  let  me  recomend 
to  your  attention  one  of  the  most  valuable  Couple  Mr.  Jn?  Atkinson 
&  his  Lady,  on  whom  I  have  given  an  Order  to  pay  if  you  want 
Twenty  Guineas. 

I  believe  General  Robertson  will  leave  you  come  out  on  parole, 
which  I  prefer — but  should  he  not,  I  think  you  will  be  much  happier 
on  Longisland  than  in  York,  as  M*  Sherbrook  can  tell  you  his  Chit- 
chatt  &  mine  about  this  &  some  other  affairs. — I  wish  you  to  write 
me  as  often  as  possible.  Send  me  by  Ballentine  a  Hamper  Porter, 
6  Gross  Good  Corks. — Tell  Col.  Meigs  I  have  got  him  a  p?  of  white 
Eyelets — Ensign  Mumford  begs  you  to  remember  your  Officer's 
Commissions,  which  are,  of  consequence  to  them.  Shou'd  you  have 
any  other  Commands  from  his  Father,  He  wishes  it  may  be  sent 
back  by  some  careful  Body  to  the  Care  of  M*  Bears.* 

*  "  By  a  Letter  just  received  from  Colo  Webb  who  has  gone  into  New  York, 
agreeable  to  his  Parole,  I  hear  his  Officers  Prisoners  there  Suffer  Much  for  Want 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  n 


I  intended  to  have  wrote  you  a  number  of  Letters  to  our  particular 
friends,  but  really  I  am  to[o]  fatigue'd,  sleepy  &  unwell,  so  that  you 
must  Excuse  it.     Take  the  Will  for  the  Deed,  and  depend  I  shall 

constantly  think  of  you  while  you  are  in  your  Cap .     General 

Lee  is  in  some  Expectation  of  coming  out  soon.  He's  allowed  the 
Liberties  of  the  Town,  &  when  its  proper  He'll  be  very  happy  to  see 
you. — We  have  just  at  this  late  hour  agoing  to  set  down  to  supper, 
being  hungry  Enough  I  can  give  you  my  word.  One  &  all  desire 
my  mentioning  Compliments,  &c,  &c.  Delancy  says  he'll  soon  be 
with  you. — I  have  got  the  Bearer  to  come  to  you,  not  knowing  but 
you  may  want  something  more  than  I  at  present  know  of — let  me 
know  &  if  within  my  grasp  you'll  have  it. — I  am  as  anxious  for  you 
as  you  can  wish  tho  :  I  know  no  one  will  be  treated  with  more  polite- 
ness than  yourself  that  they  think  differs  so  widely  from  them.  Let 
me  caution  you  to  refuse,  forever  chatting  on  politicks — it  can  be  of 
no  service  to  yourself  or  Country — Mr.  Chew  &  George  Brindly  took 
much  pains  to  please  me,  &  will  be  your  friend — the  latter  is  quite 
an  agreeable  family — I  think  however  your  greatest  happiness  will  be 
(provided  you  are  obliged  to  stay)  will  be  in  your  Chamber  with 

your  Books. 

[Jos :  Webb.] 


FROM   COLONEL   RETURN  J.    MEIGS. 

Horse  Neck,  Feby  24th,  1778. 
Dear  Colonel: 

I  received  your  favor  of  the  18*  ult.  by  the  lad  that  returned  with 
your  horses.  Am  much  obliged  for  the  papers,  have  not  received 
any  from  the  Eastward  since  you  left  us,  &  when  they  arrive  shall 
make  it  my  care  to  forward  to  you. 

I  have  forwarded  your  letter  to  your  friends,  &  believe  they  are 
well. 

Major  Humphreys  is  here.  General  Putnam  came  down  in  a 
sley.     The  small  Major  pushed  on,  I  believe  as  far  as  Norwalk.  Who 

of  their  Commissions.  None  of  that  Regiment  have  yet  been  Commissioned  I 
would  beg  your  Excellency's  Direction  what  Date  their  Commissions  are  to  have 
and  that  Blanks  Maybe  forwarded  to  Commission  them." — Brigadier- General 
Parsons  to  General  Washington,  18  February,  1778. 


12  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

knows  but  peace  may  soon  be  fixed  on  the  Basis  of  Right.  Every 
friend  to  Virtue,  on  Both  sides  the  water  wish  it.  But  at  least  let  us 
lessen  the  horrors  of  war  by  a  General  Exchange  of  Prisoners  ;  how 
many  anxious  breasts  on  both  Sides  will  in  that  case  be  unburthen'd. 
I  don't  mention  this  on  your  account  who  have  always  been  the 
fav'rite  of  fortune,  &  will  never  want  a  friend. 

The  severe  season  has  prevented  the  Eastern  Mails — can't  give 
you  any  news  until  they  arrive,  will  then  send  what  papers  come  to 
Hand,  &  wish  the  same  from  you  if  they  can  be  obtained.  Dear 
Col.  I  wish  you  a  speedy  exchange,  &  am,  your  most  humble  serv* 

R.  J.  Meigs. 


PAROLE. 

I,  Samuel  B.  Webb,  of  Wethersfield  in  Connecticut, 
having  Leave  to  go  to  Long  Island  on  Parole  do 
hereby  pledge  my  Faith  &  Word  of  Honor  that  I  will 
not  do  or  say  any  Thing  contrary  to  the  Interest  of 
his  Majesty  or  his  Government,  and  that  I  will  not  de- 
part from  the  House  I  am  placed  in  by  the  Commissary 
for  Prisoners  nor  go  beyond  the  Bounds  by  him  pre- 
scribed. Given  under  my  Hand  this  Twenty  fifth  Day 
of  February,  1778. 

[Samuel  B.  Webb.]* 


JOSEPH   WEBB  TO    GOVERNOR  TRUMBULL. 
May  it  Please  your  Excellency  : 

I  have  been  confin'd  these  several  days  or  I  shou'd  have  waited 
on  your  Excellency  to  Know  when  you  shou'd  choose  to  go  home, 
as  I  look  upon  myself  under  particular  Obligation  to  see  you  well  at 
Lebanon — Our  particular  Friend  Jere  Wadswr*h  told  me  to  make 
my  self  quite  easy  about  the  matter  for  He  had  Business,  plenty  of 
Horses  &  wou'd  choose  to  see  you  home 

*  The  signature  has  been  torn  off,  and  on  the  margin  is  written  by  Col.  Webb : 
"A  new  one  given  14th  May,  1778." 


i4  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


FROM   JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  9  March,  1778 
Sir: 

I  have  obtained  Genl  Robertson's  leave  for  you  to  come  to  New 
York,  for  which  this  will  be  your  sufficient  Pass.  I  am,  Sir,  your 
most  obd1.  humble  Serv*. 

Jos.  Loring 
Comm\sof  Pris? 


WASHINGTON   TO    ROBERT   R.   LIVINGSTON. 

Headquarters,  Valley  Forge, 
12  March,  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  should  have  answered  your  favr.  of  the  14th  January  before  this 
time,  had  I  not  have  been  daily  in  hopes  that  I  should  have  been 
able  to  have  given  you  a  satisfactory  account  of  a  change  of  men 
and  measures  in  the  North  River  Department.  It  has  not  been  an 
easy  matter  to  find  a  just  pretence  for  removing  an  officer  from  his 
Command  where  his  misconduct  rather  appears  to  result  from  want 
of  Capacity  than  from  any  real  intention  of  doing  wrong,  and  it  is 
therefore  as  you  observe  to  be  lamented  that  he  cannot  see  his  own 
defects  and  make  an  honorable  retreat  from  a  Station  in  which  he 
only  exposes  his  own  weakness. 

Proper  measures  are  taking  to  carry  on  the  enquiry  into  the  loss 
of  Fort  Montgomery  agreeable  to  the  direction  of  Congress,  and  it 
is  more  than  probable,  from  what  I  have  heard,  that  the  issue  of  that 

enquiry  will  afford  just  grounds  for  a  removal  of  Genl.  P but 

whether  it  does  or  not,  the  prejudices  of  all  ranks  in  that  quarter 
against  him  are  so  great,  that  he  must  at  all  events  be  prevented 
from  returning.*     I  hope  to  introduce  a  gentleman  in  his  place,  if 

*  "Your  Excellency  is  not  ignorant  of  the  extent  of  General  Putnam's  capacity 
and  diligence ;  and  how  well  soever  these  may  qualify  him  for  this  most  import- 
ant command,  the  prejudices  to  which  his  imprudent  lenity  to  the  disaffected,  and 
too  great  intercourse  with  the  enemy,  have  given  rise,  have  greatly  injured  his 
influence.  How  far  the  loss  of  Fort  Montgomery  and  the  subsequent  ravages  of 
the  enemy  are  to  be  attributed  to  him,  I  will  not  venture  to  say;  as  this  will 
necessarily  be  determined  by  a  court  of  inquiry,  whose  determinations  I  would 
not  anticipate.     Unfortunately  for  him,  the  current  of  popular  opinion  in  this 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB.  i5 


the  general  course  of  service  will  admit  of  it,  who  will  be  perfectly 
agreeable  to  the  State  and  to  the  public.  In  the  mean  time  I  trust 
that  Genl.  Parsons  will  do  every  thing  in  his  power  to  carry  on  the 
works,  which  from  his  last  accounts  are  in  more  forwardness  than  I 
expected. 

I  wish  all  the  men  on  the  upper  part  of  the  River  had  been  drawn 
down  to  the  Highlands  instead  of  being  kept  to  carry  on  an  expe- 
dition, in  which  I  never  was  consulted,  but  which  I  saw  from  the 
beginning  could  never  succeed,  from  a  variety  of  Reasons  which  it 
would  be  needless  to  give  you  or  any  man  acquainted  with  the  State 
of  the  Country  thro'  which  it  was  to  have  passed.  Those  who  were 
most  sanguine  I  fancy  now  see  the  impracticability  of  it. 

Peekskill  and  the  neighboring  Posts  were,  by  Resolves  of  Con- 
gress included  in  the  Northern  department,  and  the  care  of  carry- 
ing on  the  Works  put  under  the  direction  of  the  Officer  Command- 
ing in  that  district.  Genl.  Gates  being  soon  after  the  Resolve  called 
to  the  Board  of  War,  he  had  no  opportunity  of  doing  any  thing 
towards  it.  Whether  there  will  be  any  alteration  in  the  extent  of 
the  command  this  campaign  I  cannot  tell,  but  if  it  falls  again  into 
that  department  more  immediately  under  my  particular  command 
you  may  depend  that  all  the  attention  due  to  posts  so  important 
shall  be  paid  to  them.     I  am, 

G?  Washington. 

and  the  neighboring  States,  and  as  far  as  I  can  learn  in  the  troops  under  his 
command,  runs  strongly  against  him.  For  my  own  part,  I  respect  his  bravery 
and  former  services,  and  sincerely  lament,  that  his  patriotism  will  not  suffer  him 
to  take  that  repose,  to  which  his  advanced  age  and  past  services  justly  entitle 
him." — Robert  R.  Livingston  to  Washington,  14  January,  1778. 

To  Governor  Clinton,  Washington  wrote  on  the  12th:  "The  hints  which  you 
were  pleased  to  give  of  mismanagement  in  the  North  River  command  came  also 
from  ^everal  other  hands,  and  did  not  a  little  embarrass  me,  as  they  contain 
charges  rather  resulting  from  want  of  judgment  than  any  real  intention  to  do 
wrong.  It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  we  should  have  officers  of  so  high  a 
rank  as  to  entitle  them  to  claim  separate  commands  with  so  moderate  a  share 
of  abilities  to  direct  them  in  the  execution  of  those  commands."  For  an  extreme 
view  of  Putnam's  abilities,  see  Dawson  : 


16  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM    CHRISTOPHER   MILLER. 

New  York,  March  ye  nth,  1778. 
My  good  Friend: 

Mr.  Gaine's  last  paper  contained  all  the  news  that  was  in  the  last 

Country  papers.     I  am  to  sail  next  Sunday,  if  the  time  is  put  off, 

I'll  see  you — I  am  this  moment  informed  that  a  quarrel  happen'd 

last  night  between  Col.  John  Bayard  and  a  M*  Burd,  a  West  Indian, 

a  Lieut,  in  B.  Reg1.  .     Burd  struck  John,  on  which  John  drew  his 

sword  and  Kild  him  on  the  spot — this  is  an  unlucky  affair, — the  lady 

present  there  comp^ 

Your  friend  &  humb1.  Sarv*. 

Chris?  Miller.* 


FROM  JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  15  March,  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  yesterday  made  application  to  General  Robertson  for  your  pro- 
posal, and  had  I  met  the  same  Encouragement  from  the  Com- 
modore everything  had  been  settled  to  your  Wishes,  but  I  apprehend 
it  will  now  not  be  worth  your  attention,  as  I  have  this  Morn'g : 
received  a  letter  from  M*  Boudinott  with  Gen1.  Washington's  leave 
to  go  to  Phil?  and  I  am  to  take  Gen1.  Lee  with  me,  and  expect  a 
general  exchange  will  immediately  take  place.  If  I  can  be  of  any 
Service  to  you  command  me  and  am  sir,  your  most  obed*.  Humble 
serv*  Jos^  Loring 

Cemmis*   Pris^  f 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  27  March,  1778. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

Mine  by  Mr.  Frink  I  hope  you  Received — let  me  repeat  to  you 

the  sensible  Obligations  we  are  under  for  the  civil  Genteel  behavior 

shewn  you  by  all  ranks — those  attentions  you  have  shewn  to  Pris- 

*  "  General  Lee  goes  to  Philad'a  by  land  in  a  few  days.  Mr.  Lowring  &  Major 
Williams  goes  with  him— the  Gen'l  is  freting  at  some  simtoms  of  the  Gout  he 
finds  on  him"     Miller  to  Webb,  17  March,  1778. 

t  From  The  Lee  Papers,  II.,  379. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  17 

oners  when  in  your  Hands  is  I  am  now  told  most  amply  Return'd, 
nothing  in  Life  can  be  more  pleasing  to  a  feeling  susceptible  mind, 
nor  a  mark  of  greater  soul  than  treating  a  Prisoner  well  when  in  your 
power — as  well  as  the  highest  heights  of  good  sound  policy.  I  cou'd 
wish  to  have  a  long  circumstantial  Letter  from  you  p*  the  Return  of 
the  Bearer  Mr.s  Smith,  who  now  is  permitted  by  his  Excellency  Gov1; 
Trumbull  to  visit  her  aged  Mother  in  New  York.  I  have  venturd 
to  say  if  she  gets  permission  to  go  in  she  will  be  treated  with  the 
greatest  politeness  from  the  officers  of  the  army  on  both  sides — I 
have  been  expecting  some  Garden  Seeds  from  my  Friend  M*  Chew 
— likewise  a  list  of  Prisoners  in  the  Navy  Department — Send  me 
both  Rivington's  &  Gains'  Papers — tell  Col?  Hinleyhigh  his  Lady 
was  yesterday  with  me  &  has  lately  with  all  her  children  had  the 
Small  Pox — and  is  now  anxious  to  go  to  him,  but  as  yet  she  has  not 
Liberty — She  much  wants  to  hear  particular  from  her  Husband  with 
his  particular  Order. 

Will  you  ask  Col?  Laurence  how  he  does,  &  whether  the  ace*  he 
knows  well  about,  is  settled. — Where  is  Serg1.  Ballentine — He  uses 
me  excessive  ill — in  short  the  British  Prisoners  are  in  distress  for 
Clothing — I  wish  you  would  mention  it  to  Col?  Sheriff  and  the  other 
Officers — let  Cap*.  Emmerick  know  that  the  new  Levies  are  in  great 
distress  for  Clothing — for  Heaven's  sake  let  the  General  Exchange 
take  place  for  the  Advantage  of  both  sides — there's  been  such  deser- 
tions of  the  Prisoners  that  Williams  tells  me  he's  obliged  to  shut 
most  of  them  up,  which  is  extremely  bad,  &  I  am  told  of  their, 
almost  as  often  as  every  other  Day,  breaking  Prison,  &c.  &c.  Much 
could  be  said  of  the  bad  Consequences  of  keeping  Prisoners  so  long 
Confin'd. — This  Lettei  was  to  have  gone  by  M?  Jn?  Smith,  but  thro 
mistake  did  not  &  now  will  be  handed  you  by  Mr.  Frink  or  Ensign 
Green. — Mr.  Frink  you  know;  he  wants  to  settle  with  our  friend 
Mr.  Sherbrooke — Ensign  Green  has  been  very  attentive  to  British 
Prisoners  &  deserves  merit  for  his  Care  of  'em  &  can  tell  the  Neces- 
sities &  their  great  want  of  Clothes. 

My  most  Respectfull  Compliments  to  Mr.  Sherbrooke  &  his  Lady 
— General  Robertson  &  his  two  Aid  de  Camps. 

I  am,  dear  Sammy, 

Your  most  aftf  B' 

J.  Webb. 


i8  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Lieut.  Blotchen  I  advanced  some  money  to  is  run  off — if  you  see 
Mr.  Moon,  PayMaster  to  Gov!:  [Mountfcrt]  Brown  I  wish  you  or  M* 
Chew  to  mention  it.     If  he's  any  Pay  to  stop  it  for  his  friend  Webb 
if  consistant. 

Ask  Mr.  friend  Chew  again  &  again  not  to  forget  the  Scarlet  Beans, 
Savoy  Cabbage,  Cawliflower,  Sweet  Majoram. 


FROM   BARNABAS   DEANE.     ' 

Withersfield,  27  March,  1778. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

I  was  much  Disappointed  on  my  Return  from  Boston  to  find  that 
you  was  not  Excharg'd  &  that  you  was  gone  into  New  York.  How- 
ever I  have  the  satisfaction  to  hear  that  you  are  in  our  Good  Friend 
Sherbrooke's  Family  where  I  am  certain  you  will  meet  with  Every 
Civility  that  you  could  wish.  Our  little  Boy*  sail'd  for  Europe  six 
weeks  ago.  I  make  no  Doubt  he  is  with  his  Father  by  this  time. — 
I  would  be  much  oblig'd  to  you  for  the  News  Papers  from  New 
York  when  you  have  an  Oppy  Also  please  to  write  me  if  there  is  any 
of  our  vessels  Bro*  into  New  York.  Please  to  make  my  Compli- 
ments to  M*  Sherbrooke  and  his  Lady. 

I  am  with  Esteem  &c 

B.  Deane. 


FROM   JOHN   WINSLOW. 

New  York,  28  March,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  have  laid  before  Genl  Robertson  your  Letter  to  me,  &  am  to 

acquaint  you  that  the  Gen1,  objects  to  your  sending  your  Servant 

out,  but  that  if  you  will  write  out  &  order  your  Florses  to  be  brought 

to  the  Bridge  your  Servant  shall  have  leave  to  go  there  to  receive 

them. 

The  Genl  do's  not  choose  you  should  go  out  on  parole  at  present 

as  a  general  Exchange  is  now  negociating. 

No  news  from  Wethersfield. 

Your  most  hble  Serv* 

John  Winslow, 

D.  C.  P. 

*  Jesse  Deane. 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB.  19 

PRISONERS  OF  WAR. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Few  of  the  incidents  of  the  revolutionary  war,  and  of  the  policy 
that  was  based  upon  those  incidents,  are  involved  in  so  much  doubt 
as  the  exchange  of  prisoners  of  war  between  the  American  and 
British  commanders.  This  no  doubt  is  due  not  only  to  a  lack  of  the 
requisite  data  from  a  military  standpoint,  but  also  to  the  curious  and 
not  very  consistent  interference  of  the  Continental  Congress,  em- 
barrassing the  American  quite  as  much  as  the  British  commander,  by 
introducing  methods  that  it  is  very  doubtful  a  strict  recognition  of 
belligerent  rights  could  justify. 

A  cartel  providing  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners  is  a  purely  volun- 
tary act  of  the  parties  entering  into  it,  confined  to  a  few  definite 
points,  and  controlled  by  the  convenience  rather  than  the  necessity 
of  the  respective  commanders.  Neither  belligerent  can  demand  a 
cartel ;  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  can  such  a  voluntary  agreement  em- 
body stipulations  contrary  to  humanity,  or  to  the  rules  and  usages  of 
war.  It  is  chiefly  intended  to  relieve  a  commander  from  the  burden 
of  providing  for  a  large  number  of  prisoners  of  war,  while  leaving  a 
corresponding  number  of  his  own  men  in  the  power  of  the  enemy 
and  incapable  of  performing  any  service.  Equality  is  thus  the 
essence  of  a  cartel ;  and  mutual  advantage  the  motive  for  framing  it. 

The  position  of  the  British  commander  was  a  delicate  one,  for  he 
could  do  nothing  to  recognize  the  political  claims  of  the  Colonists. 
To  him  they  were  rebels,  pure  and  simple ;  and  in  taking  up  arms 
against  their  king,  they  had  incurred  the  severest  punishment  that 
could  be  imposed  for  what  is  "generally  deemed  the  highest  crime 
that  can  be  committed  in  civil  society."*  They  were  criminals,  not 
belligerents ;  and  in  the  first  passage  of  notes  between  Gage  and 
Washington,  the  British  general  hinted  at  that  position.  "  Britons, 
ever  pre-eminent  in  mercy,  have  outgone  common  examples  and 
overlooked  the  criminal  in  the  captive.  Upon  these  principles  your 
prisoners,  whose  lives  by  the  law  of  the  land  are  destined  to  the 
cord,  have  hitherto  been  treated  with  care  and  kindness,  and  more 
comfortably  lodged  than  the  king's  troops  in  the  hospitals  j  indis- 

*  Story,  Commentaries,  §  1797. 


20  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

criminately,  it  is  true,  for  I  acknowledge  no  rank  that  is  not  derived 
from  the  king."*  With  the  American  commander  he  could  not 
negotiate,  except  for  an  absolute  submission  to  the  mercy  of  the 
king ;  and  to  enter  into  a  formal  and  solemn  compact  of  any  nature 
with  him,  would  have  involved  an  admission  of  the  political  claims  of 
the  Colonists.  The  proclamation  of  12  June,  1775,  issued  by  Gage, 
specially  characterized  all  who  were  in  arms  as  rebels  and  traitors, 
and  for  such  nothing  but  submission  could  obtain  pardon ;  to  treat 
with  them  was  out  of  the  question.  And  it  was  not  long  before  thib 
position  was  endorsed  by  the  king ;  for  the  royal  proclamation  of  23 
August,  i  775,  declared  the  colonies  to  be  in  open  rebellion  against 
the  Crown;  and  all  the  king's  officers,  civil  and  military,  were 
ordered  to  give  information  of  such  persons  as  should  be  found  aid- 
ing and  abetting  those  who  were  in  aims  against  the  Government,  or 
holding  any  correspondence  with  them,  "in  order  to  bring  to  con- 
dign punishment  the  authors,  perpetrators  and  abettors  of  such 
traitorous  designs."  To  this  Congress  replied,  threatening  to  retal- 
iate "  in  the  same  kind  and  degree  upon  those  in  our  power  who 
have  favored,  aided  or  abetted,  or  shall  favor,  aid  or  abet,  the  system 
of  ministerial  oppression.  The  essential  difference  between  our 
cause  and  that  of  cur  enemies  might  justify  a  severe  punishment : 
the  law  of  retaliation  will  unquestionably  warrant  one  equally 
severe."! 

The  advantage  of  an  exchange  was  recognized  even  before  Wash- 
ington assumed  the  command  of  the  Continental  army,  for  isolated 
exchanges  had  occurred  under  one  form  or  another  between  the  two 
parties,!  though  as  yet  no  effort  had  been  made  to  reach  a  basis  for 
a  general  cartel,  as,  indeed,  there  was  little  occasion  for  it.  It  was 
not  until  October,  1775,  that  the  matter  became  of  sufficient  import- 
ance to  warrant  formal  notice,  when  the  Committee  of  Congress — 
Benjamin  Franklin,  Thomas  Lynch  and  Benjamin  Harrison — were 
in  camp,  consulting  with  the  commander-in-chief  and  the  Executives 
of  the  New  England  Colonies  on  the  needs  and  prospects  of  the  army. 

*  13  August,  1775. 

^Journals  of  Congress,  6  December,  1775. 

\  Before  Washington  had  assumed  the  command,  Putnam,  escorted  by  the 
Wethersfield  company  under  Colonel  Chester,  had  effected  an  exchange  of  a  few 
prisoners. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  21 


One  of  the  questions  laid  by  Washington  before  this  Committee 
of  Conference  was:  "Is  it  advisable  to  propose  an  exchange  of 
prisoners?  Should  any  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  (in  the  army  or 
navy)  now  in  our  Power,  be  given  up  for  any  except  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  American  army?"  And  the  conference  agreed  "that 
an  Exchange  will  be  proper,  citizens  for  citizens,  but  not  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  regular  army  for  citizens."  The  question  of  the  treat- 
ment of  prisoners  and  their  allowances  were  answered  thus :  "  that 
they  be  treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  but  with  humanity,  and  the 
allowance  of  provisions  to  be  the  rations  of  the  army;  that  the  offi- 
cers being  in  pay  should  supply  themselves  with  cloaths,  their  bills 
to  be  taken  therefore;  the  soldiers  furnished  as  they  now  are." 
Before  the  report  of  the  conference  was  laid  before  Congress  the 
reply  to  the  first  question  was  modified  so  as  to  read,  that  "  an  Ex- 
change will  be  proper,  citizens  for  citizens,  officers  for  officers  of 
equal  rank  and  soldier  for  soldier,"  and,  in  that  form,  the  final  report 
was  laid  before  Congress  on  November  1st.  Some  little  difficulty 
occurred  to  delay  the  adoption  of  the  report,  for  not  only  did  four 
weeks  elapse  before  these  paragraphs  received  the  formal  endorse- 
ment of  Congress,  but  Washington  wrote  to  Reed,  November,  1775  : 
"  I  wish  that  matter  respecting  the  punctilio,  hinted  at  by  you,  could 
come  to  some  decision  of  Congress.  I  have  done  nothing  yet  in 
respect  to  the  proposed  exchange  of  prisoners,  nor  shall  I  now,  until 
I  hear  from  them  or  you  on  this  subject."  The  capture  of  Ethan 
Allen,  and  his  ill  treatment  at  the  hands  of  the  British  General  Pres- 
cott  was  the  immediate  cause,  perhaps,  of  precipitating  a  decision ; 
for  Washington  was  directed  to  propose  an  exchange  for  Allen. 
Congress,  in  the  very  words  of  the  conference,  outlined  the  plan  of 
a  general  rule  of  exchange,  "  citizens  for  citizens,  officers  for  officers 
of  equal  rank,  and  soldier  for  soldier."*  To  secure  a  better  treat- 
ment of  Allen,  Washington  threatened  to  retaliate  on  Prescott,  but 
at  the  same  time  suggested  that  an  "  exchange  of  prisoners  taken  on 
each  side  in  this  unnatural  contest "  might  be  entered  into,  if  Howe 
should  signify  that  it  was  "  agreeable."  f  In  his  reply  the  British 
General  took  no  notice  of  the  suggestion,  but  on  the  day  after 
Washington's  letter  was  written,  he  wrote  to  Lord  Dartmouth  : 

♦See  Ford's  Writings  of  Jefferson,  I.,  494. 
f  Washington  to  Howe,  18  December,  1775. 


22  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


"Mr.  Washington,  presuming  upon  the  number  and  rank  of  the 
prisoners  in  his  possession,  has  threatened  retaliation  in  point  of 
treatment  to  any  prisoners  of  theirs  in  our  power ;  and  proposes  an 
exchange,  which  is  a  circumstance  I  shall  not  answer  in  positive 
terms ;  nor  shall  I  enter  upon  such  a  measure  without  the  King's 
orders.  Your  Lordship  has  enclosed  a  publication  extracted  from 
the  minutes  of  the  Continental  Congress  in  reference  to  his  Majesty's 
proclamation  of  the  23d  of  August,  on  the  principles  of  which  Mr. 
Washington  seems  to  have  founded  his  threats." 

Germain,  independently  of  Howe's  inquiry,  and  having  in  mind 
certain  awkward  complications  likely  to  arise  should  the  Hessian 
troops  serve  in  America,  on  1  February,  1776,  notified  him  of  the 
return  of  certain  American  prisoners  and  continued  : 

"  It  is  hoped  that  the  possession  of  these  prisoners  will  enable  you 
to  procure  the  release  of  such  of  his  majesty's  officers  and  legal  sub- 
jects as  are  in  the  disgraceful  situation  of  being  prisoners  to  the 
rebels;  for  although  it  cannot  be  that  you  should  enter  into  any 
treaty  or  agreement  with  the  rebels  for  a  regular  cartel  for  exchange 
of  prisoners,  yet  I  doubt  not  but  your  own  discretion  will  suggest  to 
you  the  means  of  effecting  such  exchange,  without  the  King's  dignity 
and  honor  being  committed,  or  his  majesty's  name  used  in  any 
negotiation  for  that  purpose.  And  I  am  the  more  strongly  urged  to 
point  out  to  you  the  expediency  of  such  a  measure,  on  account  of 
the  possible  difficulties  which  may  otherwise  occur  in  the  case  of  any 
foreign  troops  serving  in  North  America." 

Apart  from  political  considerations,  there  was  one  serious  obstacle 
to  any  general  system  of  exchanges — the  varying  authority  under 
which  prisoners  were  held.  From  the  beginning  of  the  contest  there 
was  but  the  semblance  cf  civil  government,  as  self-constituted  com- 
mittees and  conventions,  framing  their  own  rules  of  conduct  and 
acting  independently  of  any  established  procedure,  were  the  con- 
trolling powers.  As  revolutionary  bodies,  their  authority  was 
supreme  and  their  powers  of  administration  restrained  only  by  the 
want  of  popular  support,  which  was  rarely  withheld ;  and,  depending 
upon  the  people,  they  too  often  exercised  their  self-assumed  func- 
tions in  a  cruel  and  arbitrary  manner.  The  rights  of  persons  and  of 
property  were  violated,  force  employed  where  persuasion  or  a  proper 
application  of  judicial  process  would  have  sufficed,  and  the  bitterness 
of  faction  only  aggravated  the  spirit  of  lawlessness  that  usually 
accompanies  a  popular  movement.  Men  were  seized  and  thrown 
into  prison  on  mere  suspicion;  their  property  was  taken  on  the 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  23 

flimsiest  of  excuses ;  and  a  word  or  a  look  that  could  be  interpreted 
as  hostile  to  the  Congress  or  the  "good  people"  of  the  Colonies 
rendered  the  citizen  liable  to  insult,  injury  and  the  charge  of  traitor. 
Many  instances  could  be  given  of  imprisonments  ordered  by  a  local 
committee,  without  any  higher  authority  to  restrain  and  check  abuse, 
or  repair  injury ;  and  it  was  long  before  steps  were  taken  to  frame 
general  rules  or  centralize  the  management  of  prisoners  in  the  hnnds 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  by  which  means  alone  could  uniformity 
and  a  fair  degree  of  responsibility  be  attained.  Prisoners  taken  by 
the  Continental  troops,  or  under  a  warrant  issued  immediately  by 
Congress,  were  from  the  first  subject  to  its  control  only.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1775,  persons  taken  in  arms  on  board  any  prize  were  to  be 
deemed  prisoners  at  the  disposal  of  the  general,  "whether  the  prize 
be  taken  by  vessels  fitted  out  in  the  pay  of  the  continent  or  by 
others."*  In  the  general  instructions  issued  to  commanders  of 
private  ships  or  vessels  of  war,  having  commissions  or  letters  of 
marque  and  reprisal,  it  was  stipulated  that  prisoners  or  captives 
taken  on  board  prizes  should  not  be  ransomed  but  should  be  dis- 
posed of  as  Congress,  or,  "if  that  be  not  sitting,  in  the  colony 
whither  they  shall  be  brought,  as  the  general  assembly,  convention, 
or  council,  or  committee  of  safety,  shall  direct."f  Two  months  later 
the  subject  was  again  regulated,  and  the  care  of  prisoners  imposed 
on  the  supreme  executive  of  the  colony  where  the  capture  was  made, 
or  the  prisoners  brought,  and  the  local  committees  empowered  to 
superintend  the  conduct  of  prisoners,  and  to  punish  misbehavior.]: 
The  cost  of  maintenance  was  a  charge  on  the  continent. 

In  the  meantime  Congress  possessed  a  committee,  the  origin  of 
which  I  have  not  been  able  to  solve.  When  the  prisoners  taken  at 
St.  John's  arrived  at  Philadelphia,  they  were  scattered  among  some 
neighboring  towns  in  Pennsylvania,  under  direction  of  a  committee, 
on  the  membership  of  which  the  Journals  are  silent.  ||  When  Wash- 
ington sent  to  Congress  a  copy  of  his  letter  to  General  Howe,  threat- 
ening to  retaliate  Allen's  treatment  upon  Prescott,  he  enclosed  a 
letter  from  Master  James  Lovell.     "His  case  is  truly  pitiable.     I 

*  Journals  of  Congress,  2  December,  1775. 

\  Journals,  3  April,  1776. 

\  Journals,  21  May,  1776. 

||  Journals,  17  November,  1775;    15  and  16  December,  1775. 


24  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


wish  some  mode  could  be  fallen  upon  to  relieve  him  from  the  cruel 
situation  he  is  now  in.  I  am  sensible  of  the  impropriety  of  exchang- 
ing a  soldier  for  a  citizen  ;  but  there  is  something  so  cruelly  distress- 
ing in  regard  to  this  gentleman,  that  I  dare  say  you  will  take  it  under 
your  consideration."  *  The  matter  was  referred  to  a  strong  com- 
mittee, composed  of  Thomas  Lynch,  William  Hooper,  George 
Wythe,  Silas  Deane  and  Samuel  Adams,f  who  reported  J  in  favor  of 
exchanging  Governor  Skene  for  Lovell  and  his  family. 

Still  another  committee  was  named  on  January  9th  to  inquire  into 
the  conduct  of  officers  who  were  prisoners,  and  the  members,  William 
Livingston,  Eliphalet  Dyer,  and  William  Floyd,  laid  their  report  be- 
fore Congress  on  the  12th.  When  Brigadier-General  Prescott  arrived 
in  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Adams,  Samuel  Ward  and  Roger  Sherman  were 
sent  to  examine  him.  The  appointment  of  a  special  committee,  and 
of  distinct  composition  from  others,  to  consider  each  case  as  it 
might  arise,  is  good  evidence  that  no  settled  policy  for  the  control 
of  prisoners  had  yet  been  so  much  as  outlined.  Nor  was  a  begin- 
ning made  until  February  4th,  when  Thomas  McKean,  Richard 
Smith  and  Flenry  Wisner  were  directed  to  take  an  account  of  the 
prisoners,  the  names  of  the  officers  and  their  places  of  residence, 
and  report  to  Congress.  §  This  committee  was,  on  the  7th, 
joined  with  another,  who  had  made  a  report  upon  a  letter  from  the 
Council  of  Safety  of  New  Jersey  on  prisoners ;  and,  as  only  three 
members  in  the  two  committees  were  present,  James  Wilson  and 
Oliver  Wolcott  were  added.  Congress  instructed  this  new  commit- 
tee to  "  examine  the  capitulations  entered  into  with  the  prisoners  at 
the  time  of  their  surrender,  to  have  the  paroles  of  the  officers  taken, 
to  order  them  to  their  respective  places  of  residence,  to  see  that  the 
capitulations  be  duly  observed,  and  the  orders  of  Congress  respect- 
ing the  prisoners  punctually  carried  into  execution,  and  finally  to 
make  a  return  to  Congress  of  the  paroles  of  the  officers,  their  names 
and  places  of  residence,  and  also  the  number  of  privates,  and  where 
placed."  ||     This  I  suppose  to  be  the  "  committee  on  prisoners,"  of 

*  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  18  December,  1775. 

f  Journals  of  Congress,  30  December,  1775. 

\  Journals,  5  January,  1776. 

§  Journals,  4  February,  1776. 

||  Journals,  7  February,  1776k. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  25 

which  frequent  mention  is  to  be  found  in  the  Journals  from  February 
to  June,*  when,  on  the  erection  of  a  war  office,  the  care  of  prisoners 
of  war  was  one  of  its  duties. f  All  of  this  regulation  pertained  to  the 
police  or  supervision  of  the  prisoners,  and  it  was  not  until  June  1 7, 
1776,  that  a  general  rule  was  laid  down  governing  exchanges  :  "pris- 
oners taken  by  continental  forces  be  not  exchanged  by  any  authority 
but  the  Continental  Congress."  It  would  appear  as  if  the  control 
was  now  so  centralized  that  no  confusion  could  arise.  % 

Having  determined  that  Continental  prisoners  were  under  the  sole 
control  of  Congress,  it  became  necessary  to  frame  some  rule  for  ex- 
change with  the  British.  A  committee,  composed  of  Carter  Brax- 
ton, James  Wilson  and  Benjamin  Harrison,  prepared  the  measure,§ 
and  as  adopted  by  Congress  it  provided  : 

"That  the  commander-in-chief  in  each  department  be  empowered 
to  negotiate  an  exchange  of  prisoners  in  the  following  manner  :  One 
continental  officer  for  one  of  the  enemy  of  equal  rank,  either  in  the 
land  or  sea  service,  soldier  for  soldier,  sailor  for  sailor,  and  one 
citizen  for  another  citizen. 

"That  each  state  hath  a  right  to  make  any  exchange  they  think 
proper  for  prisoners  taken  from  them  or  by  them. 

"That  the  several  commanders-in-chief  in  each  department  be 
directed  to  exchange  any  officer  in  the  British  service,  now  a  pris- 
oner in  any  of  these  states,  of  or  under  the  rank  of  colonel,  for 
colonel  Ethan  Allen. 

"  That  the  persons  taken  prisoners  with  Colonel  Ethan  Allen  be 
put  upon  the  same  footing  as  those  in  the  continental  service,  and 
exchanged  accordingly  as  opportunity  presents."  || 

Meanwhile  the  Adjutant-General  of  the  British  army,  Colonel 
Patterson,  had  held  his  conversation  with  Washington,  and  had  ad- 
verted to  the  proposed  exchange  of  Lovell  for  Skene,  to  which  the 
English  commander  was  willing  to  assent.  So  long  a  time  had 
elapsed  since  the  proposition  had  first  been  made  that  Washington 
turned  to  Congress  for  advice ;  and  receiving  the  proper  authority, 
wrote  to  Howe  "  that  the  Congress  have  not  only  approved  of  this 

*  February  8,  20,  21,  28;  March  4,  14,  19,  29;  April  9,  17,  19;  May  9,  13; 
June  1  and  II,  1776. 

^Journals,  12  June,  1776. 
%  Journals,  22  July,  1776. 
§  Journals,  9  July,  1776. 
||  Journals,  22  July,  1776. 


26  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

proposition,  but,  judging  that  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  will  be 
attended  with  mutual  convenience  and  pleasure  to  both  parties,  have 
empowered  their  commanders  in  each  department  to  negotiate 
one."*  lie  then  quoted  the  resolutions  of  July  22d.  Howe  at  once 
readily  consented  to  the  mode  of  exchange,  merely  adding  that  de- 
serters should  not  be  included  in  the  arrangement,  and  that  the 
choice  of  persons  to  be  exchanged  should  be  made  by  the  respect- 
ive commanders  for  their  own  officers  and  men.f  Congress  ex- 
tended this  latter  condition  so  as  to  give  the  respective  commanders 
the  right  to  choose  what  citizens  should  be  given  in  exchange  by 
the  other.  £  The  question  of  exchanges  in  the  nav^l  line  was  un- 
touched by  this  agreement,  as  that  could  be  determined  only  by 
Admiral  Lord  Howe. 

No  sooner  had  this  arrangement  been  made,  when  an  incident 
occurred  to  prevent  its  action  on  the  lines  intended.  The  unfortu- 
nate affair  at  the  Cedars,  in  which  American  prisoners  had  been 
massacred  by  Indians  in  spite  of  the  efforts  of  the  British  com- 
mander to  protect  them  as  he  was  bound  to  do  by  the  terms  of  the 
capitulation,  and  the  subsequent  act  of  Arnold  in  purchasing  the 
safety  of  the  remaining  prisoners  by  engaging  to  return  an  equal 
number  of  British,  precipitated  a  difference  between  the  American 
Congress  and  the  British  commander  that  threatened  the  continuance 
of  any  system  of  exchanges.  Congress  forbade  Arnold  to  return  any 
British  prisoners  until  the  perpetrators  of  the  massacre  had  been  de- 
livered up,  and  reparation  made  for  the  plunder  taken  at  the  Cedars.§ 
This  order  the  British  naturally  construed  as  a  refusal  to  confirm  the 
treaty,  and  Washington  bore  the  brunt  of  the  charge  of  violating  the 
agreement  made  by  Arnold,  although  he  had  not  "  the  smallest  con- 
cern "  in  the  matter.  Indeed  he  pointedly  asked  Congress  to  re- 
consider the  matter,  and  carry  the  agreement  into  execution.  || 

But  Congress  stood  firm  and  distinctly  asserted  its  power  to  dis- 
avow the  promise  made  by  Arnold  at  the  Cedars,  on  the  ground  of 

*  Washington  to  Howe,  30  July,  1776. 

f  Howe  to  Washington,  1  August,  1776. 

\  Journals  of  Congress,  27  August,  1776. 

§  Journals  of  Congress,  10  July,  1776;  Writings  of  Jefferson  (Ford)  II,  3c. 

||  Writings  of  Washington,  IV,  476. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  27 

want  of  authority.  "  The  agreement  entered  into  by  General  Arnold 
was  a  mere  sponsion  on  his  part,  he  not  being  invested  with  powers 
for  the  disposal  of  prisoners  not  in  his  possession,  nor  under  his  di- 
rection ;  and,  therefore,  it  is  subject  to  be  ratified  or  annulled,  at  the 
discretion  of  this  house."*  The  outcome  of  this  attitude  was  that 
no  general  exchange  was  made  in  the  year  1776,  and  when  Congress 
again  and  again  urged  the  matter,  no  step  could  be  made  towards  a 
satisfactory  agreement.  In  September,  Congress  directed  the  Gen- 
eral to  procure  as  soon  as  possible  an  exchange  of  tie  officers  and 
soldiers  taken  on  Long  Island. f  In  October,  it  directed  Washington 
to  negotiate  an  exchange  of  the  officers  returned  from  Canada,  they 
to  have  a  preference  over  those  taken  in  New  York  and  Long 
Island.^  It  was  Webb  who  announced  the  success  of  this  negotia- 
tion^ In  November  leave  was  given  to  exchange  the  foreign  pris- 
oners, the  mercenaries  in  the  pay  of  Great  Britain,  who  might  be 
made  prisoners  to  the  United  States.  || 

Other  questions  had  arisen. 

"  I  regret,"  wrote  Washington  to  Howe  on  November  7th,  "  that 
it  has  not  been  in  my  power  to  effect  the  proposed  exchange  of 
prisoners  before  this  time.  As  soon  as  the  proposition  was  agreed 
to,  I  wrote  to  the  Governors  and  Conventions  of  the  different 
States,  where  the  prisoners  were,  to  have  them  collected  and  sent 
to  the  most  convenient  places  in  the  neighourhood  of  the  two 
armies.  Their  dispersed  situation,  for  their  better  accommoda- 
tion, has  been  the  reason  of  the  delay ;  at  least  I  cannot  ascribe 
it  to  any  other  cause.  It  has  not  arisen,  Sir,  from  any  design 
on  my  part ;  and  I  am  persuaded  the  difficulty  of  drawing  them 
together  must  be  evident  to  you,  especially  as  it  was  early  sug- 
gested in  some  of  my  former  letters.  As  to  the  charge  of  your  offi- 
cers being  confined  in  common  gaols,  I  had  hoped  that  you  were 
satisfied  by  my  assurances  on  this  head  before.  It  is  not  my  wish, 
that  severity  should  be  exercised  towards  any,  whom  the  fortune  of 
war  has  thrown  or  shall  throw  into  our  hands.  On  the  contrary,  it 
is  my  desire,  that  the  utmost  humanity  should  be  shown  them.  I  am 
convinced,  the  latter  has  been  the  prevailing  line  of  conduct  to  pris- 

*  Journals  of  Congress,  10  July,  1776. 

f  Journals,  26  September,  1776. 

%  Journals,  10  October,  1776. 

%Ante,  Vol.  I,  p.  180. 

||  Journals  of  Congress,  15  November,  1776. 


2S  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

oners.  There  have  been  instances,  in  which  some  have  met  with 
less  indulgence  than  could  have  been  wished,  owing  to  a  refractory 
conduct  and  a  disregard  of  paroles.  If  there  are  other  instances,  in 
which  a  strict  regard  to  propriety  has  not  been  observed,  they  have  not 
come  to  my  knowledge,  and  if  you  will  be  pleased  to  point  them  out, 
and  to  particularize  the  names  of  the  officers,  the  earliest  inquiry 
shall  be  made  into  the  complaint,  and  the  cause  removed,  if  any 
exists. 

"  With  respect  to  the  stragglers,  who  have  lately  fallen  into  our 
hands,  I  cannot,  upon  the  best  consideration,  discern  hew  the  agree- 
ment subsisting  between  us  is  affected  by  sending  them  to  places 
from  whence  they  may  be  easily  collected  upon  a  general  exchange. 
That  the  custom  of  war  requires,  or  that  the  interest  of  an  army 
would  admit  of  a  daily  exchange  of  prisoners,  are  points  on  which 
we  are  so  unhappy  as  to  differ  in  sentiment.  The  opportunities  of 
conveying  intelligence,  and  many  other  consequences  flowing  from 
such  an  intercourse,  seem  so  very  obvious,  that,  upon  further  reflec- 
tion, I  flatter  myself  you  will  think  with  me  on  this  subject.  But  if 
otherwise,  it  might  have  been  exemplified  on  your  part  in  the  imme- 
diate return  of  such  stragglers  from  our  army  as  have  fallen  into  your 
hands,  which  would  have  justified  an  expectation  of  a  similar  con- 
duct from  us." 

Howe  was  satisfied  by  this  that  the  delay  in  the  exchange  was  due 
to  the  neglect  of  those  to  whose  care  the  arrangement  cf  prisoners 
had  been  entrusted,  and  not  to  any  disregard  to  the  agreement  on 
the  part  of  Washington. 

'•  Give  me  leave  at  the  same  time  to  observe,  that  this  measure, 
naturally  so  desirable  to  the  parties  concerned,  must  be  in  a  great 
degree  interrupted,  if  a  general  exchange  should  remain  an  object, 
to  the  prejudice  of  prisoners  near  at  hand,  who  upon  the  shortest 
notice  of  their  ranks  or  numbers  might  be  relieved  by  an  equality  of 
those  in  my  possession ;  and  as  I  cannot  foresee  any  objection  to 
an  exchange  taking  place  immediately,  so  far  as  may  be  conveniently 
effected,  and  as  often  afterwards  as  the  prisoners  more  remote  shall 
arrive,  I  am  willing  to  hope  for  your  concurrence  in  promoting  the 
same. 

"  You  are  pleased  to  say,  the  usage  of  war  does  not  allow  of  an 
immediate  exchange  of  prisoners ;  which  I  can  by  no  means  agree 
to,  the  contrary  being  ever  the  custom  of  armies,  between  which  an 
exchange  of  prisoners  has  been  determined,  as  far  as  the  nature  of 
business  may  permit.  And  in  respect  to  stragglers  from  your  army, 
since  you  have  been  pleased  to  say  I  might  have  set  you  examples 
of  returning  them,  I  am  to  inform  you,  that  no  persons  under  that 
description  have  fallen  into  my  hands.     Such  men  as  have  been 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  29 


lately  taken  in  arms,  as  well  as  those  who  have  been  longer  in  con- 
finement, are  solely  detained  for  the  arrival  of  your  prisoners,  in 
consequence  of  assurances  received  from  you  on  that  subject."* 

Having  agreed  upon  the  exchange,  the  question  of  manner  was  not 
a  little  complicated  by  the  arbitrary  selection  of  objects  by  the  Brit- 
ish. Washington  collected  such  prisoners  as  were  in  the  states  of 
Pennsylvania,  Maryland  and  New  Jersey,  and  sent  them  in,  making 
a  demand  of  such  officers  in  exchange  as  he  thought  best  entitled  to 
a  preference,  beginning  with  those  taken  at  Quebec.  The  British 
commander  paid  no  respect  to  this  demand,  but  sent  out  such  as 
best  pleased  him,  or  made  the  most  urgent  application.  This  act 
called  out  a  sharp  remonstrance  from  Washington : 

"  I  would  beg  leave  to  recall  your  attention  to  the  proposition  for 
the  exchange  of  prisoners,  in  the  several  letters  I  have  lately  written 
on  that  subject,  and  to  inform  you,  that  I  have  not  received  such 
officers  in  exchange  as  were  requested  by  me.  I  am  persuaded,  Sir, 
that  this  mistake  has  arisen  from  Mr.  Commissary  Loring'sf  zeal  to 
facilitate  the  business ;  but  I  would  at  the  same  time  desire  that  you 
give  him  orders,  whenever  any  of  your  officers  are  sent  in  by  me,  not 
to  send  others  in  exchange,  till  he  is  furnished  with  a  list  from  me, 
of  such  as  I  would  choose  to  prefer,  which  shall  always  be  done  as 
soon  as  possible.  For  as  the  prisoners  seldom  pass  my  head-quar- 
ters on  their  way,  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  transmit  such  lists  by 
them,  without  occasioning  their  delay.  If  this  mode  is  not  complied 
with  in  future,  I  shall  be  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  stopping 
others  from  going  in,  as  my  ideas  and  expectations  are  by  no  means 
answered  by  what  has  happened."  j 

The  difficulties  attending  an  exchange  were  aggravated  by  the 
want  of  proper  supervision  of  the  prisoners.  Congress  had  made  no 
provision  for  an  officer  to  take  charge  of  this  matter,  though  early  in 
1776  the  General  had  positively  asked  for  one,  and  in  May  had 
written : 

"  Before  I  have  done,  with  the  utmost  deference  and  respect,  I 
would  beg  leave  to  remind  Congress  of  my  former  letters  and  appli- 
cations, respecting  the  appointment  of  proper  persons  to  superintend 
and  take  direction  of  such  prisoners,  as  have  already  fallen  and  will 
fall  into  our  hands  in  the  course  of  the  war,  being  fully  convinced, 
that,  if  there  were  persons  appointed  for,  &  who  would  take  the 

*  Howe  to  Washington,  n  November,  1776. 

t  Joshua  Loring,  British  commissary  general  of  prisoners. 

\  Washington  to  Howe,  17  December,  1776. 


30  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

whole  management  of  them  under  their  care,  that  the  continent 
would  save  a  considerable  sum  of  money  by  it,  and  the  prisoners  be 
better  treated  and  provided  with  real  necessaries,  than  what  they 
now  are  ;  and  shall  take  the  liberty  to  add,  that  it  appears  to  me  a 
matter  of  much  importance,  and  worthy  of  consideration,  that  par- 
ticular and  proper  places  of  security  should  be  fixed  on  and  estab- 
lished in  the  interior  parts  of  the  different  governments  for  their 
reception. 

"Such  establishments  are  agreeable  to  the  practice  and  usage  of 
the  English  and  other  nations,  and  are  founded  on  principles  of 
necessity  and  public  utility.  The  advantages,  which  will  arise  from 
'em,  are  obvious  and  many.  I  shall  mention  only  two  or  three. 
They  will  tend  much  to  prevent  escapes,  which  are  difficult  to  effect, 
when  the  public  is  once  advertised,  that  the  prisoners  are  restrained 
to  a  few  stated  and  well-known  places,  and  not  permitted  to  goe 
from  thence ;  and  the  more  ingenious  among  them  from  disseminat- 
ing and  spreading  their  artful  and  pernicious  intrigues  and  opinions 
throughout  the  country,  which  would  influence  the  weaker  and 
wavering  part  of  mankind,  and  meet  with  but  too  favorable  a  hear- 
ing. Further,  it  will  be  less  in  their  power  to  join  and  assist  our 
enemies  in  cases  of  invasions,  and  will  give  us  an  opportunity  always 
to  know,  from  the  returns  of  those  appointed  to  superintend  them, 
what  number  we  have  in  possession,  the  force  sufficient  to  check  and 
suppress  their  hostile  views  in  times  of  emergency,  and  the  expenses 
necessary  for  their  maintenance  &  support.  Many  other  reasons 
might  be  adduced  to  prove  the  necessity  and  expediency  of  the 
measure.  I  shall  only  subjoin  one  more,  and  then  have  done  on  the 
subject,  which  is,  that  many  of  the  towns,  where  prisoners  have  been 
already  sent,  not  having  convenience  for  or  the  means  of  keeping 
them,  complain  that  they  are  burdensome ;  and  have  become  care- 
less, inattentive,  and  altogether  indifferent  whether  they  escape  or 
not ;  arid  those  of  'em  that  are  restricted  to  a  closer  confinement, 
the  limits  of  jail,  neglected,  and  not  treated  with  that  care  and 
regard,  which  Congress  wish."  * 

In  October,  1776,  the  appointment  of  a  Commissary  of  Prisoners 
in  each  state  was  authorized,  to  hold  a  commission  from  the  respect- 
ive States,  but  to  report  to  the  continental  Board  of  War.f  Two 
months  later  Washington  was  directed  to  appoint  a  commissary  of 
prisoners,  a  necessary  step  towards  concentrating  the  management 
of  this  much  divided  responsibility.  % 

*  See  Journals  of  Congress,  21  May,  1776.  To  the  President  of  Congress,  11 
May,  1776. 

^Journals  of  Congress,  7  October,  1776. 
X  Journals,  27  December,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  31 

"A  commissary  of  prisoners  must  be  appointed  to  attend  the 
army ;  for  want  of  an  officer  of  this  kind,  the  exchange  of  prisoners 
has  been  conducted  in  a  most  shameful  and  injurious  manner.  We 
have  had  them  from  all  quarters  pushed  into  our  camps  at  the  most 
critical  junctures,  and  without  the  least  previous  notice.  We  have 
had  them  travelling  through  the  different  states  in  all  directions  by 
certificates  from  committees,  without  any  kind  of  control ;  and  have 
had  instances  of  some  going  into  the  enemy's  camp  without  my 
privity  or  knowledge,  after  passing  in  the  manner  before  men- 
tioned."* 

The  decision  of  Congress  covered  only  one  side  of  the  problem, 
and  no  further  action  was  taken  till  January,  1777,  when  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  adopted : 

Resolved,  That  General  Washington  be  directed  to  propose  and 
conclude  with  General  Howe  an  agreement,  whereby  those  who  are 
or  may  be  made  prisoners  by  the  enemy,  may  be  supplied  with  pro- 
visions and  other  necessaries,  at  the  expense  or  on  the  credit  of  the 
U.  S. — 3  January,  1777. 

Resolved,  That  General  Washington  be  directed  to  propose  to 
General  Howe  that  a  commissary  be  appointed  on  behalf  of  the 
United  States  to  furnish  the  American  prisoners  of  war,  captivated 
by  the  British  army,  with  such  necessaries  as  they  may  want ;  and  if 
such  commissary  be  allowed  to  reside  among  the  prisoners,  that 
General  Washington  appoint  a  suitable  person  for  the  purpose,  until 
an  exchange  can  be  effected. — 16  January,  1777. 

The  capture  of  Major  General  Lee  introduced  a  new  factor.  It  is 
difficult  to  explain  how  he  came  to  stand  so  high  in  the  estimation  of 
Congress,  as  there  is  nothing  in  his  career  that  marks  him  out  as  a 
soldier  or  a  commander.  His  capture,  whether  brought  about  by  his 
wish  or  his  misfortune,  at  once  impressed  Congress  with  the  idea 
that  his  release  must  be  obtained.  Washington  was  directed  to  pro- 
pose an  exchange  of  six  Hessian  field  officers  taken  at  Trenton  for 
Lee,t  and  on  a  rumor  that  Lee  had  been  committed  to  the  provost 
(which  he  had  not),  and  on  a  belief  that  such  treatment  "totally  un- 
worthy of  that  gentleman's  eminent  qualifications,"  pointed  to  fur- 
ther injuries  to  his  person,  those  unfortunate  Hessian  officers  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Archibald  Campbell  were  held  as  objects  of  re- 
taliation— should  that  become  necessary.}     In  fact,  Lee  was  so  well 

*  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  20  December,  1776. 
f  Journals  of  Congress,  2  January,  1777. 

\  Journals,  6  January,  1777.  Some  curious  examples  of  Lee's  conceit  are  to 
be  found  in  his  letters  written  at  this  time.     Lee  Papers,  II.,  383,  389. 


32  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

treated  that  he  could  employ  his  time  in  framing  a  plan  of  campaign 
for  the  British  army,  and  in  devising  a  meeting  between  the  Howes 
and  a  deputation  cf  Congress,  undoubtedly  for  consultation  on  a 
peace  and  submission.  Congress  rejected  the  advance,  and  ordered 
the  five  Hessian  officers  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  into  safe 
and  close  custody,  publishing  an  explanation  of  this  measure.*  This 
placed  Washington  in  an  awkward  position. 

"  From  the  best  information  I  have  been  able  to  obtain,  General 
Lee's  usage  has  not  been  so  disgraceful  and  dishonorable  as  to  au- 
thorize the  treatment  decreed  to  those  gentlemen,  were  it  not  pro- 
hibited by  many  other  important  considerations.  His  confinement, 
I  believe,  has  been  more  rigorous  than  has  been  generally  experi- 
enced by  the  rest  of  our  officers,  or  those  of  the  enemy,  who  have 
been  in  our  possession ;  but,  if  the  reports  be  true,  received  on  that 
head,  he  has  been  provided  with  a  decent  apartment,  and  with  most 
things  necessary  to  render  him  comfortable.  This  is  not  the  case 
with  one  of  the  officers  comprehended  in  the  resolves,  if  his  letter,  of 
which  a  copy  is  transmitted,  deserves  your  credit.  Here  retaliation 
seems  to  have  been  prematurely  begun ;  or,  to  speak  with  more  pro- 
priety, severities  have  been  and  are  exercised  towards  Colonel  Camp- 
bell, not  justified  by  any  that  General  Lee  has  yet  received. 

"  In  point  of  policy,  under  the  present  situation  of  our  affairs,  this 
doctrine  cannot  be  supported.  The  balance  of  prisoners  is  greatly 
against  us;  and  a  general  regard  to  the  happiness  of  the  whole 
should  mark  our  conduct.  Can  we  imagine,  that  our  enemies  will 
not  mete  the  same  punishments,  the  same  indignities,  the  same 
cruelties,  to  those  belonging  to  us,  in  their  possession,  that  we  im- 
pose on  theirs  in  our  power?  Why  should  we  suppose  them  to 
possess  more  humanity  than  we  have  ourselves  ?  Or  why  should  an 
ineffectual  attempt  to  relieve  the  distresses  of  one  brave,  unfortunate 
man,  involve  many  more  in  the  same  calamities?  However  dis- 
agreeable the  fact  may  be,  the  enemy  may  at  this  time  have  in  their 
power,  and  subject  to  their  call,  near  three  hundred  officers  belong- 
ing to  the  army  of  the  United  States.  In  this  number  there  are 
some  of  high  rank ;  the  most  of  them  are  men  of  bravery  and  of 
merit.  The  quota  of  theirs  in  our  hands  bears  no  proportion,  being 
not  more  than  fifty  at  most.  Under  these  circumstances,  we  should 
certainly  do  no  act  to  draw  upon  the  gentlemen  belonging  to  us,  and 
who  have  already  suffered  a  long  captivity,  greater  punishments  than 
they  have  experienced  and  now  experience.  If  we  should,  what 
will  their  feelings  be,  and  those  of  their  numerous  and  extensive 
connections?     Suppose  the  treatment  prescribed  for  the  Hessians 

*  Journals,  20  &  21  February,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACTILEY  WEBB.  33 

should  be  pursued,  will  it  not  establish  what  the  enemy  have  been 
aiming  to  effect  by  every  artifice  and  the  grossest  misrepresentations, 
I  mean,  an  opinion  of  our  enmity  towards  them,  and  of  the  cruel 
conduct  they  experience  when  they  fall  into  our  hands,  a  prejudice 
which  we  on  our  part  have  heretofore  thought  it  politic  to  suppress 
and  to  root  out  by  every  act  of  lenity  and  kindness?  It  certainly 
will.  The  Hessians  would  hear  of  the  punishment  with  all  the  cir- 
cumstances of  heightened  exaggeration,  would  feel  the  injury  with- 
out investigating  the  cause,  or  reasoning  upon  the  justice  or  neces- 
sity of  it.  The  mischiefs,  which  may  and  must  inevitably  flow  from 
the  execution  of  the  resolves,  appear  to  be  endless  and  innumerable. 

"  On  my  own  part,  I  have  been  much  embarrassed  on  the  subject 
of  exchanges  already.  Applications  are  daily  made,  by  both  friends 
and  enemies,  to  complete  them  as  far  as  circumstances  of  number 
and  rank  will  apply.  Some  of  the  former  have  complained,  that  a 
discrimination  is  about  to  be  adopted,  perhaps  injurious  to  their 
reputation,  and  certainly  depriving  them  of  their  right  of  exchange 
in  due  course,  as  established  upon  the  principles  of  equality  pro- 
posed last  year,  acceded  to  by  both  parties,  and  now  subsisting. 
The  latter  charge  me  with  a  breach  of  faith,  and  call  on  me  to  per- 
form the  agreement. 

"  Many  more  objections  might  be  subjoined,  were  they  material. 
I  shall  only  observe,  that  the  present  state  of  our  army,  if  it  deserves 
that  name,  will  not  authorize  the  language  of  retaliation,  or  the  style 
of  menace.  This  will  be  conceded  by  all,  who  know  that  the  whole 
of  our  force  is  weak  and  trifling,  and  composed  of  militia  (very  few 
regular  troops  excepted),  whose  service  is  on  the  eve  of  expiring. 
There  are  several  other  matters,  which  might  be  mentioned  upon 
this  subject,  would  time  and  opportunity  permit ;  but  as  they  will 
not,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  Colonel  Walker,  who  will  deliver 
this,  and  give  satisfaction  to  any  inquiries  that  may  be  deemed  nec- 
essary. Persuading  myself  that  Congress  will  indulge  the  liberty  I 
have  taken  upon  this  occasion,  I  have  only  to  wish  for  the  result  of 
their  deliberations  after  they  have  reconsidered  the  resolves,  and  to 
assure  them  that  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c."* 

*  To  the  President  of  Congress,  I  March,  1777.  On  the  main  subject  of  this  let- 
ter, Congress  resolved,  "  That  General  Washington  be  informed,  that  Congress 
cannot  agree  to  any  alteration  in  the  resolve  passed  on  the  6th  of  January;  and, 
as  to  the  complaints  of  Colonel  Campbell,  it  was  never  their  intention  that  he 
should  suffer  any  other  hardship,  than  such  confinement  as  is  necessary  to  his 
security  for  the  purpose  of  that  resolve." — Journals,  March  14th.  In  communi- 
cating this  resolve,  the  President  of  Congress  observed : — "  The  obvious  distinc- 
tion of  General  Howe  in  his  treatment  of  General  Lee,  who  is  notoriously  com- 
mitted to  the  custody  of  the  provost,  and  denied  his  parole,  while  our  other  offi- 
cers are  admitted  to  it,  was  the  ground  on  which  Congress  proceeded  when  they 


34  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

A  decided  step  had  been  taken  in  the  meantime  and  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  Howe  to  determine  the  difficulties.  He  had  asked  that 
an  American  officer  meet  one  from  the  British  army,  and  Washing- 
ton named  his  Secretary,  Robert  Hanson  Harrison,  giving  him  the 
following  instructions : — 

"  Differences  in  opinion  having  arisen  between  General  Howe  and 
myself,  respecting  the  construction  of  a  proposition  made  the  30th 
of  July,  and  acceded  to  the  1st  of  August  last,  for  the  exchange  of 
prisoners,  whereby  it  was  stipulated,  '  that  officers  should  be  given 
for  officers  of  equal  rank,  soldier  for  soldier,  and  citizen  for  citizen ;' 
— for  the  accommodation  of  these  differences,  and  to  remove  every 
just  cause  of  complaint  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  if  such  there  be, 
you  are  to  meet  any  officer,  not  of  inferior  rank  to  yourself,  who 
shall  come  properly  authorized  to  treat  upon  the  subject,  and  to 
adopt  such  measures,  as  you  shall  deem  adequate  to  that  end. 

"  Experience  having  also  shown,  that  the  agreement  above  recited 
is  not  sufficiently  definite  to  answer  all  the  salutary  purposes  intended 
by  it,  nor  sufficiently  comprehensive  to  include  the  various  cases  in- 
cident to  the  state  of  prisoners,  you  are  hereby  vested  with  full  power 
and  authority  to  devise  and  conclude  upon  such  improvements,  in 
aid  of  the  same,  as  shall  appear  necessary  for  establishing  a  more 
regular  and  explicit  mode  of  Exchange,  as  well  with  respect  to  the 
prisoners  who  have  been,  as  those  who  shall  be  hereafter  taken ; 
making  mutual  provision  for  such  an  allowance  to  pay  all  necessaries 
as  their  comfort  and  welfare  during  their  captivity  may  require  ;  and, 
finally,  to  treat,  determine,  and  agree  upon  all  matters  whatsoever 
relative  to  prisoners  of  war,  on  the  principles  of  justice  and  humanity, 
and  conformable  to  the  most  civilized  customs  and  usages,  for  the 
greater  ease,  convenience,  and  security  of  all  captives  belonging  to 
the  armies  under  our  respective  commands ;  for  all  which  this  shall 
be  your  sufficient  warrant ;  and  your  engagements,  being  mutually 
interchanged,  shall  be  ratified  and  confirmed  by  me.  Given  under 
my  hand  and  seal  at  Head  Quarters  in  Morristown,  this  4th  day  of 
March,  1777." 

passed  that  resolve  (of  January  6th),  the  intention  of  which  was  to  show  that  in 
proportion  as  severities  against  him  were  increased,  the  same  treatment  should  be 
exercised  on  six  field-officers." — Letter,  March  17th. 

"  That  if  the  officer  commanding  the  army  of  the  enemy  will  acknowledge 
Major-General  Lee  to  be  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  intitled  to  be  treated  and  ex- 
changed as  such,  General  Washington  be  authorized  to  proceed  in  the  exchange 
of  prisoners,  either  according  to  the  principles  and  regulations  of  the  cartel 
already  agreed  to,  or  according  to  such  other  and  further  principles  and  regula- 
tions as  shall  appear  to  him  most  proper  and  advantageous."  Journals  of  Con- 
gress, 24  March,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  35 

From  the  British  side  came  Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  Walcott,  who 
brought  a  paper,  prepared  presumably  with  the  approval  of  General 
Howe,  couched  in  terms  so  objectionable,  that  the  American  repre- 
sentative refused  to  receive  it.  It  was  afterwards  sent  out  by  a 
flag,  and  was  as  follows  : 

2  April,  1777. 

Whereas  General  Washington  did,  in  his  letter  to  General'Howe, 
bearing  date  the  30th  day  of  June,  1776,  declare  that  he  was  author- 
ized to  propose,  and  he  did  in  said  letter  accordingly  propose,  a 
general  exchange  of  all  prisoners  of  war,  in  the  manner  and  upon 
the  terms  following,  viz. :  "  Officers  for  officers  of  equal  rank,  soldier 
for  soldier,  and  citizen  for  citizen."  To  which  proposal  his  Excel- 
lency, General  Sir  William  Howe,  did,  in  his  answer  of  the  first  of 
August  following,  accede  and  agree.  And,  whereas,  in  pursuance  of 
this  agreement,  General  Sir  William  Howe,  relying  upon  the  honour 
and  good  faith  of  General  Washington,  for  the  due  and  punctual 
performance  thereof  on  his  part,  hath,  at  several  times,  sent  and  de- 
livered over  to  Gen.  Washington,  as  will  fully  appear  from  the  lists 
with  them  transmitted,  a  number  of  officers  on  their  parole,  and  up- 
wards of  two  thousand  two  hundred  privates,  of  the  enemy  his 
prisoners ;  and  who,  as  well  officers  as  privates,  are  still  to  be  con- 
sidered as  such  until  they  shall  be  regularly  exchanged,  officers  for 
officers  of  equal  rank,  and  the  privates  by  a  like  number  of  those 
now  in  the  possession  of  General  Washington ;  some  of  whom,  hav- 
ing been  taken  before,  or  about  the  time  of  concluding  the  agree- 
ment, have,  in  direct  violation  thereof,  been  detained  as  prisoners 
for  full  eight  months,  and  others,  taken  in  the  latter  end  of  Decem- 
ber and  in  the  beginning  of  January  last,  have  been  in  the  like  con- 
dition of  prisoners  for  three  months  ;  none,  or  very  few  of  them,  have 
hitherto  been  sent  in,  in  return  or  exchange  of  the  number  of 
prisoners  sent  by  Gen.  Howe  to  Gen.  Washington.  I,  Lieut.  Col. 
William  Walcott,  vested  with  full  powers  for  this  among  other  pur- 
poses, do  therefore  in  the  most  positive  and  peremptory  manner, 
require  and  demand  of  General  Washington  the  full  and  due  per- 
formance of  the  agreement  above  recited ;  and  consequently  the 
speedy  and  immediate  release  of  all  prisoners  of  war,  whether  British, 
Hessians,  Waldeckers,  Provincials  or  Canadians,  as  well  officers  as 
soldiers,  now  in  his  possession,  or  so  far  as  they  shall  go  or  may  go 
towards  the  exchange  of  those  sent  and  delivered  over  to  Gen. 
Washington.  And  whereas  there  are  still  in  the  possession  of  Gen. 
Sir  William  Howe  a  very  considerable  number  of  officers,  and  a 
number  of  privates  of  the  enemy,  prisoners  unexchanged ;  I  do  far- 
ther require  and  demand  of  Gen.  Washington,  that  so  soon  as  he 
shall  have  compleated  the  exchange  of  those  already  delivered  over 
to  him,  agreeable  to  my  requisition  and  demand  for  that  purpose,  he 


36  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

shall  proceed  to  the  exchange  of  these  last  mentioned  officers  and 
privates,  in  conformity  to  the  agreement  of  the  30th  of  July  and  1st 
of  August,  1776  ;  to  the  execution  of  which  the  groundless  and  un- 
precedented objections  offered  on  the  part  of  Gen.  Washington,  by 
Lieut.  Col.  Harrison,  cannot  with  any  degree  of  reason,  or  con- 
sistently with  common  sense,  be  allowed  or  admitted  as  obstacles. 
The  one,  that  "the  whole  of  the  prisoners  contained  in  the  Commis- 
sary's lists,  and  delivered  over  to  General  Washington,  should  not  be 
accounted  for,  because  many  of  them  died  on  their  return  to  the 
place  of  their  arrival."  Posterior  therefore  confessedly,  from  the 
objection  itself  as  stated,  to  their  being  delivered  over  to  Gen. 
Washington,  all  of  whom  therefore  must  be,  and  all  of  whom,  this 
objection  notwithstanding,  I  do  again  require  and  demand  to  be  ex- 
changed, according  to  the  express  terms  of  the  agreement,  "soldier 
for  soldier,"  for  every  man  delivered  to  the  person  who  received 
them  for  and  in  the  behalf  of  Gen.  Washington.  The  other,  "  the 
case  of  Lieut.  Col.  Lee,"  whose  release  General  Washington  might 
with  greater  propriety  demand,  whenever,  with  the  terms  of  the  said 
agreement,  "  officers  for  officers  of  equal  rank,"  he  shall  have  in  his 
possession  an  officer  of  rank  equal  to  the  reputed  rank  of  the  gentle- 
man in  question  ;  but  until  that  appear,  the  demand  and  objection 
upon  this  subject  are  at  least  premature.  I  do,  moreover,  expect 
and  demand,  that  an  immediate  and  categorical  answer  shall  be 
given  to  these  just  and  reasonable  requisitions  and  demands. 
Given  at  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Beech,  in  the  townships  of  Hills- 
borough, the  second  day  of  April,  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
seventy  and  seven. 

W.  Walcott, 

Lieut.  Col. 
To  General  Washington  : 
&c,  &c. 

To  this  insolent  demand  Washington  prepared  an  able  reply,  ad- 
dressing it  to 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL   HOWE. 

Morristown,  9  April,  1777. 
Sir: 

I  take  the  liberty  of  transmitting  you  a  copy  of  a  paper  addressed 
to  me  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Walcott  of  your  army,  which  came 
enclosed  in  a  letter  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  Cornwallis.  It  is  with 
peculiar  regret,  I  am  constrained  to  observe,  that  this  illiberal  per- 
formance of  Colonel  Walcott's  is  obviously  calculated  to  answer  a 
less  generous  purpose,  than  that  of  merely  effecting  an  exchange, 
contains  a  gross  misrepresentation  of  facts,  and  is  a  palpable  devia- 
tion from  that  delicate  line,  which  I  expected  would  mark  his  con- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB. 


37 


duct,  as  a  man  of  candor  and  ingenuity.  That  gentleman  has  cen- 
sured two  articles  insisted  on  by  me  through  Lieutenant -Colonel 
Harrison,  at  their  meeting  of  the  ioth  ultimo,  "as  groundless,  unpre- 
cedented, and  inconsistent  with  any  degree  of  reason  or  common 
sense,"  though  founded,  as  I  conceive,  in  the  clearest  principles  of 
equity  and  justice.  Not  contenting  himself  with  this,  which  would 
have  given  me  no  concern,  he  has  assumed  the  privilege  of  mutilat- 
ing and  misstating  those  articles  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  change  their 
meaning,  and  to  adapt  them  to  the  unfair  conclusions  he  wished  to 
establish. 

Having  premised  these  things,  and  being  charged  in  direct  and 
positive  terms  by  Colonel  Walcott,  who  acted  under  your  authority, 
with  a  violation  of  the  Agreement  made  between  us  for  the  Exchange 
of  prisoners,  and  called  upon  for  a  performance  of  the  same,  I  think 
it  necessary  to  explain  the  motives  of  my  conduct,  and  the  grounds 
on  which  those  articles  or  objections  stand.  In  respect  to  the  first, 
I  freely  repeat,  that  I  do  not  hold  myself  bound,  either  by  the  spirit 
of  the  agreement,  or  by  the  principles  of  justice,  to  account  for  those 
prisoners,  who,  from  the  rigor  and  severity  of  their  treatment,  were 
in  so  emaciated  and  languishing  a  state,  at  the  time  they  came  out, 
as  to  render  their  death  almost  certain  and  inevitable ;  and  which, 
in  many  instances,  happened  while  they  were  returning  to  their 
homes,  and,  in  many  others,  immediately  after  their  arrival. 

You  must  be  sensible,  that  our  Engagement,  as  well  as  all  others 
of  the  kind,  though  in  the  letter  it  expresses  only  an  equality  of  rank 
and  number,  as  the  rule  of  exchange,  yet  it  necessarily  implies  a  re- 
gard to  the  general  principles  of  mutual  compensation  and  advan- 
tage. This  is  inherent  in  its  nature,  is  the  voice  of  reason,  and  no 
stipulation,  as  to  the  condition  in  which  prisoners  should  be  re- 
turned, was  requisite.  Humanity  dictated  that  their  treatment 
should  be  such,  as  their  health  and  comfort  demanded ;  and,  where 
her  laws  have  been  duly  respected,  their  condition  has  been  gener- 
ally good.  Nor  is  this  the  language  of  Humanity  alone ;  justice  de- 
clares the  same.  The  object  of  every  cartel,  or  similar  agreement, 
is  the  benefit  of  the  prisoners  themselves,  and  that  of  the  contending 
powers.  On  this  footing,  it  equally  exacts,  that  they  should  be  well 
treated,  as  that  they  should  be  exchanged.  The  reverse  is,  there- 
fore, an  evident  infraction,  and  ought  to  subject  the  party,  on  whom 
it  is  chargeable,  to  all  the  damage  and  ill  consequences  resulting 
from  it.  Nor  can  it  be  expected,  that  those  unfitted  for  future  ser- 
vice by  acts  of  severity,  in  direct  violation  of  a  Compact,  are  proper 
subjects  for  an  exchange.  In  such  case,  to  return  others  not  in  the 
same  predicament,  would  be  to  give  without  receiving  an  Equiva- 
lent ;  and  would  afford  the  greatest  encouragement  to  cruelty  and 
inhumanity.  The  argument,  drawn  from  the  mere  circumstance  of 
the  prisoners  having  been  received,  is  of  no  validity.     Though,  from 


38  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

their  wretched  situation,  they  could  not,  at  that  time,  be  deemed 
proper  for  an  exchange,  yet  our  humanity  required  that  they  should 
be  permitted  to  return  among  us. 

It  may,  perhaps,  be  fairly  doubted,  whether  an  apprehension  of 
their  death,  or  that  of  a  great  part  of  them,  did  not  contribute  some- 
what to  their  being  sent  out  when  they  were.  Such  an  event,  whilst 
they  remained  with  you,  would  have  been  truly  interesting ;  because 
it  would  have  destroyed  every  shadow  of  claim  for  a  return  of  the 
prisoners  in  our  Hands;  and,  therefore,  policy,  concurring  with 
Humanity,  dictated  that  the  measure  should  be  adopted.  Happy 
had  it  been,  if  the  expedient  had  been  thought  of  before  these  ill- 
fated  men  were  reduced  to  such  extremity*  It  is  confessed,  how- 
ever, on  all  sides,  that,  after  their  delivery,  they  still  continued  your 
prisoners,  and  would  be  so  till  regularly  exchanged. 

I  acknowledge,  that  I  should,  and  I  have  been  always  willing,  not- 
withstanding this  concession,  to  account  for  every  man,  who  was  in  a 
proper  condition  and  fit  to  be  exchanged  at  the  time  they  came  out, 
so  far  as  the  proportion  of  prisoners  with  us  would  extend.  With 
what  propriety,  or  upon  what  foundation  of  justice,  can  more  be  de- 
manded ?  This  has  been  proposed,  or,  what  is  the  same,  was  most 
clearly  implied  in  the  first  article  or  objection  made  by  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Harrison,  and  illiberally  rejected  since,  as  inconsistent  with 
any  degree  of  reason  or  common  sense.  Painful  as  it  is,  I  am  com- 
pelled to  consider  it  as  a  fact  not  to  be  questioned,  that  the  usage  of 
our  prisoners,  whilst  in  your  possession,  the  privates  at  least,  was 
such  as  could  not  be  justified.  This  was  proclaimed  by  the  concur- 
rent testimony  of  all  who  came  out ;  their  appearance  sanctified  the 
assertion ;  and  melancholy  experience,  in  the  speedy  death  of  a  large 
part  of  them,  stamped  it  with  infallible  certainty. 

In  respect  to  the  second  article  insisted  on,  your  discriminating 
Major-General  Lee  from  other  captive  officers  belonging  to  the 
American  army  demanded  my  particular  attention.  I  was  author- 
ized to  conclude,  from  your  laying  him  under  peculiar  restraints,  and 
from  your  letter  of  the  23d  of  January  last,  that  you  considered  him 
in  a  singular  point  of  view,  and  meant  to  exclude  him  from  the  com- 
mon right  of  exchange,  stipulated  for  all  officers  in  general  terms. 
This  distinction,  the  more  injurious  and  unwarrantable,  as  you  never 
excepted  him,  though  you  knew  him  to  be  an  officer  in  our  army  at 
the  time,  and  long  before  the  Agreement  was  entered  into,  made  it 
my  duty  to  assert  his  right  in  an  explicit  manner,  and  to  endeavour 
to  put  the  matter  upon  so  unequivocal  a  footing,  as  to  insure  his  en- 
largement, whenever  an  officer  of  rank  belonging  to  your  army  should 
be  in  our  power.  This  was  attempted  by  the  Article,  and  nothing 
more ;  nor  is  any  other  inference  to  be  drawn  from  it  It  is  true,  a 
proposition  was  made,  since  his  captivity,  to  give  a  certain  number 
of  officers  of  inferior  rank  in  exchange   for  him ;  but  it  was  not 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  39 

claimed  as  a  matter  of  right.  What  name,  then,  does  that  proceed- 
ing merit,  by  which  it  is  suggested,  that  the  immediate  release  of 
General  Lee  had  been  demanded,  without  having  an  officer  of  equal 
rank  to  give  for  him  ?  The  suggestion  cannot  be  supported  by  the 
most  tortured  exposition,  nor  will  it  have  credit  where  candor  is 
deemed  a  virtue,  and  words  preserve  their  form  and  meaning. 

As  to  the  charge  of  delay  in  not  returning  the  prisoners  in  our 
hands,  the  dispersed  situation  of  those,  taken  at  a  more  early  period 
of  the  war,  through  the  different  States,  arising  from  the  circumstan- 
ces of  their  captivity  and  a  regard  to  their  better  accommodation, 
made  their  detention  for  a  considerable  time  unavoidable.  When 
the  agreement  subsisting  between  us  took  place,  the  speediest  direc- 
tions were  given  to  have  them  collected,  that  an  exchange  might  be 
effected.  This  was  done  in  part,  and  at  a  juncture  when  motives  of 
policy  opposed  the  measure,  but  were  made  to  yield  to  the  rigid 
maxims  of  good  faith. f  We  were  pursuing  the  exchange,  and  con- 
tinued our  exertions  to  accomplish  it,  till  the  miserable  appearance, 
indicating  an  approaching  catastrophe,  of  those  sent  out  by  you, 
made  it  improper.  Foreseeing  that  a  difficulty  might  arise,  and  that 
it  might  be  expected,  that  I  should  account  for  the  whole  of  them, 
which  I  by  no  means  thought  it  equitable  to  do,  it  became  necessary 
that  the  matter  should  be  adjusted,  and  the  due  proportion  settled 
for  which  I  ought  to  be  responsible,  before  anything  further  could  be 
done  on  my  part.  Upon  this  ground  stands  also  the  detention  of 
those,  who  have  been  since  captured.  Added  to  these  considera- 
tions, the  discrimination  set  up  in  the  instance  of  General  Lee  is  to 
be  regarded  as  utterly  irreconcilable  with  the  tenor  of  our  agreement, 
and  an  insurmountable  obstacle  to  a  compliance  with  your  demands. 

Thus,  Sir,  have  I  explained  the  motives  of  my  conduct,  and  I  trust 
vindicated  myself  in  the  eye  of  Impartiality  from  the  improper  and 
groundless  charge,  which  you  and  the  gentleman  acting  by  your  au- 
thority have  been  pleased  to  allege  against  me.  If,  in  doing  this,  I 
have  departed  in  the  smallest  degree  from  that  delicacy,  which  I 
always  wished  should  form  a  part  of  my  character,  you  will  remem- 
ber, I  have  beer  forced  into  recrimination,  and  that  it  has  become 
an  act  of  necessary  justice.  I  shall  now  declare  it  to  be  my  ardent 
wish,  that  a  general  exchange  may  take  place,  on  general  and  liberal 
principles,  so  far  as  it  can  be  effected,  and  that  the  agreement,  sub- 
sisting between  us  for  that  purpose,  should  be  inviolably  observed  ; 
and  I  call  upon  you,  by  every  obligation  of  good  faith,  to  remove  all 
impediments,  on  your  part,  to  the  accomplishment  of  it.     If,  how- 

*The  following  clause  was  here  inserted  in  the  first  draft  of  the  letter,  but 
was  omitted  in  the  transcript  sent  to  General  Howe:    "Happily  we  found  ai 
equivalent,  so  far  as  their  number  went,  in  those  returned  from  Canada,  and  who 
had  experienced  the  humanity  of  General  Carleton." 


4o  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

ever,  you  do  not,  I  console  myself  with  a  hope,  that  those  unfortu- 
nate men,  whose  lot  it  is  to  be  your  prisoners,  will  bear  their  suffer- 
ings with  becoming  fortitude  and  magnanimity. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  due  respect,  &c.* 

The  question  seemed  no  nearer  a  solution  from  this  reply  than  in 
the  beginning;  and  the  remedy  was  not  contained  in  General 
Howe's  letter  in  answer  : 

New  York,  21  April,  1777. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  ninth  instant,  concerning  the 
requisition  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Walcott,  a  copy  of  which  came 
inclosed. 

Though  I  observe  that  officer  has  meant  to  insist  very  strongly  on 
the  justice  of  the  claim  for  the  return  of  prisoners  in  your  possession, 
which  was  one  of  the  objects  of  his  appointment,  I  do  not  see  reason 
to  suspect  that  any  personal  incivility  was  intended  by  the  terms  in 
which  his  opinion  is  expressed. 

Without  entering  into  a  needless  discussion  of  the  candour  or  illib- 
erality  of  the  sentiments  on  which  your  arguments  are  founded,  yet 
since  you  are  pleased  to  assert,  that  "the  usage  of  your  prisoners 

*  "  The  design  of  Washington's  letter,  and  its  publication  by  the  Congress,  was 
to  sanctify  their  breach  of  faith  in  not  sending  back  our  soldiers  in  exchange,  to 
represent  General  Howe  as  devoid  of  humanity,  and  to  irritate  the  deluded  Ameri- 
cans still  more  against  the  English  nation,  as  a  people  totally  lost  to  virtue.  It  was 
by  such  misrepresentations  and  falsehoods  that  the  rebel  leaders  first  fomented  and 
brought  on  the  present  rebellion;  and  they  still  continue  to  support  it  by  the  same 
infamous  means.  Men  of  malignant  and  ambitious  dispositions  of  mind  are  al- 
ways at  the  head  of  their  affairs.  It  was  such  dispositions  that  made  Lovell  a 
delegate,  and  Washington  a  general." — roliticus,  in  the  London  Chronicle,  14 
August,  1777. 

John  Adams  wrote  of  this  letter :  "  Washington  is  in  the  right,  and  has  main- 
tained his  argument  with  a  delicacy  and  dignity  which  do  him  much  honor :  He 
has  hinted  at  the  flagitious  conduct  of  the  two  Howes  towards  their  prisoners  in 
so  plain  and  clear  a  manner  that  he  cannot  be  misunderstood,  but  yet  decency  and 
delicacy  are  preserved,  which  is  the  more  to  be  applauded  because  the  natural  re- 
sentment of  such  atrocious  cruelties  renders  it  very  difficult  to  avoid  a  more 
pointed  language  in  describing  them." — To  his  wife,  13  April,  1777. 

"  Resolved,  That  Congress  approve  General  Washington's  conduct  as  to  the  car- 
tel for  exchange  of  prisoners,  and  of  the  reasoning  contained  in  his  letter  of  the 
9th  May,  making  no  doubt  of  the  facts  upon  which  his  arguments  are  founded 
being  duly  ascertained;  and  that  the  General  be  informed  it  is  the  opinion  of 
Congress  that  he  strictly  adhere  to  the  principles  contained  in  the  said  letter." — 
Journals  of  Congress,  6  June,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  41 

was  such  as  could  not  be  justified, — that  this  was  proclaimed  by  the 
concurrent  testimony  of  all  who  came  out, — that  their  appearance 
sancified  the  assertion,  and  that  melancholy  experience,  in  the 
speedy  death  of  a  larger  part  of  them,  stamped  it  with  infallible  cer- 
tainty," these,  I  say,  being  what  you  assume  as  facts,  I  cannot  omit 
making  some  observations  upon  them. 

It  might,  perhaps,  suit  with  the  policy  of  those  who  persist  in 
every  expedient  to  cherish  the  popular  delusion,  that  the  released 
prisoners  should  complain  of  ill-usage,  or  their  captivity  might  really 
form  a  grievous  comparison  with  the  state  they  were  in  before  they 
were  persuaded  to  encounter  the  vicissitudes  of  war.  But  if  their 
sufferings  were  as  great  as  you  think  yourself  authorized  to  assert,  a 
dispassionate  consideration  of  the  following  indisputable  and  notor- 
ious facts  will  point  out  the  cause  to  which  they  are  to  be,  in  a  great 
measure,  ascribed : 

All  the  prisoners  were  confined  in  the  most  airy  buildings,  and  on 
board  the  largest  transports  in  the  fleet,  which  were  the  very  health- 
iest places  of  reception  that  could  possibly  be  provided  for  them. 

They  were  supplied  with  the  same  provisions,  both  in  quantity 
and  quality,  as  were  allowed  to  the  King's  troops  not  on  service, 
some  accidental  instances  excepted,  wherein  however  the  omission, 
when  known,  was  immediately  remedied. 

Near  one  half  of  the  whole  number  of  prisoners,  whose  diseases 
appeared  to  require  peculiar  care,  as  well  as  separation  from  the 
rest,  were  at  different  times  received  into  the  British  hospitals,  and 
their  own  surgeons,  without  restriction,  supplied  with  medicines  for 
the  remaining  sick,  until  it  was  discovered  that  they  disputed  not  to 
dispose  of  large  quantities  by  private  sale. 

From  this  short  state  of  facts,  it  is  evident  that  your  prisoners 
were  provided  with  proper  habitations,  sufficient  and  wholesome 
food,  and  medicines.  Nor  do  I  know  of  any  comfort  or  assistance 
compatible  with  their  situation  as  prisoners,  of  which  they  were  in 
want,  excepting  clothing ;  the  relief  to  their  distress  in  this,  and  the 
article  of  money,  of  which  you  were  repeatedly  advised,  and  they 
had  claim  to  receive  from  your  care,  was  neglected  or  refused,  while 
they  were  furnished  with  every  necessary  I  was  in  a  situation  to 
supply.* 

*  It  will  be  interesting  to  compare  these  statements  with  the  arraignment  of 
the  British  by  Congress. 

"  The  inhuman  treatment  of  those  who  were  so  unhappy  as  to  become  prisoners. 
The  prisoners,  instead  of  that  humane  treatment  which  those  taken  by  the 
United  States  experienced,  were  in  general  treated  with  the  greatest  barbarity. 
Many  of  them  were  near  four  days  kept  without  food  altogether :  When  they  re- 
ceived a  supply,  it  was  both  insufficient  in  point  of  quantity  and  often  of  the  worst 
kind :     They  suffered  the  utmost  distress  from  cold,  nakedness  and  close  confine- 


42  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

To  what  cause  a  speedy  death  of  a  large  part  of  them  is  to  be 
attributed,  I  cannot  determine,  but  your  own  experience  will  sug- 
gest to  you,  whether  the  army  under  your  command,  in  the  course 
of  last  campaign,  was  free  from  such  calamitous  mortality,  though 
assisted  with  refreshments  from  all  parts  of  the  surrounding  pro- 
vinces. 

It  is  insinuated  that  I  might  have  released  the  prisoners  before 
any  of  the  ill  consequences  had  taken  place.  I  am  obliged  to  say, 
the  event  at  least  appears  to  have  proved  the  caution  with  which  I 
ought  to  have  adopted  that  expedient.  The  prisoners  were  ready  to 
be  delivered  up,  waiting  only  for  your  proceeding  in  the  exchange, 
which  you  had  proposed,  and  I  agreed  to. 

I  admit  that  able  men  are  not  to  be  required  by  the  party  who, 
contrary  to  the  laws  of  humanity,  through  design,  or  even  neglect  of 
reasonable  and  practicable  care,  should  have  caused  the  debility  of 
the  prisoners  he  shall  have  to  offer  for  exchange ;  but  the  argument 
is  not  applicable  to  me  in  the  present  instance. 

I  might  finally  put  this  question :  How  is  the  cause  of  debility  in 
prisoners  to  be  ascertained?  But  as  we  differ  so  much  in  the  prin- 
ciple upon  which  your  objections  are  framed  ;  as  I  think  those 
objections  are  unsupported  by  precedent  or  equity,  anc  that  your 
adherence  to  them  would  be  a  direct  and  determined  violation  of 
the  agreement,  it  becomes  unnecessary  for  me  to  add  more,  than  to 
call  upon  you  to  fulfil  your  agreement  for  returning  the  prisoners 
demanded  by  Lieut.  Col.  Walcott. 

With  respect  to  the  case  of  Mr.  Lee,  now  professed  to  be  a  prin- 
cipal motive  for  your  refusal  to  continue  the  exchange  of  prisoners, 
it  is  comprehended,  I  must  insist,  under  my  general  and  original 
exception  to  persons  in  his  circumstances. 

With  due  respect,  I  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant 

W.  Howe. 

Unwilling  to  assume  the  responsibility  of  answering  Howe's  criti- 
cisms, Washington  referred  to  them  to  Congress,  where  they  remained 

ment :  Freemen  and  men  of  substance  suffered  all  that  a  generous  mind  could 
suffer  from  the  contempt  and  mockery  of  British  and  foreign  mercenaries :  Mul- 
titudes died  in  prison;  and  when  others  were  sent  out,  several  died  in  the  boats 
while  carrying  ashore,  or  upon  the  road  attempting  to  go  home.  The  committee 
in  the  course  of  their  inquiry  learned,  that  sometimes  the  common  soldiers  ex- 
pressed sympathy  with  the  prisoner,  and  the  foreigners  more  than  the  English. 
But  this  was  seldom  or  never  the  case  with  the  officers;  nor  have  they  been  able 
to  hear  of  any  charitable  assistance  given  them  by  the  inhabitants  who  remained 
in,  or  resorted  to  the  city  of  New  York;  which  neglect,  if  universal,  they  believe 
was  never  known  to  happen  in  any  similar  case  in  a  Christian  country." — Jour- 
nals of  Congress,  iS  April,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  43 

unacted  upon  for  more  than  six  weeks.  In  this  delay  Howe  saw  his 
opportunity;  and  on  May  2 2d  wrote,  demanding  a  final  decision 
upon  his  demand  for  the  prisoners  in  exchange  for  those  sent  in,  and 
on  the  prisoners  "now  here,  that  I  may  make  my  arrangements 
accordingly."  This  was  a  telling  suggestion,  and  forced  Washington 
to  turn  to  Congress  and  urge  action  : 

"  Good  faith  seems  to  require,  that  we  should  return  as  many  of 
theirs  at  least  as  we  received  effectives  from  them  ;  I  mean  such  as 
could  be  considered  capable  of  being  exchanged ;  and  perhaps 
sound  policy,  that  the  agreement  subsisting  for  exchanges  should 
continue.  On  the  other  hand  it  may  be  said,  that  our  prisoners  in 
general,  in  the  enemy's  hands  at  present,  will  have  greater  security 
by  our  retaining  them,  and  that  General  Howe  will  be  less  apt  to 
relinquish  any  part  of  his  claim,  the  more  the  number  in  our  hands 
is  diminished  by  an  exchange. 

"  I  confess  I  am  under  great  difficulty  in  this  business.  But  what 
is  more  particularly  the  cause  of  this  application,  is  the  latter  part  of 
the  first  paragraph  of  the  enclosed  copy, — ' and for  your  determina- 
tion respecting  the  prisoners  now  here,  that  I  may  make  my  arrrnge- 
ments  accordingly*  This  is  couched  in  terms  of  great  ambiguity ; 
and  I  am  really  at  a  loss  what  interpretation  to  give  it ;  whether  he 
intends  that  his  conduct  respecting  them  shall  be  as  I  advise  (this 
appears  more  favorable  than  can  well  be  expected),  or  that,  if  the 
previous  demand  is  not  answered  in  a  satisfactory  manner,  he  shall 
consider  them  on  a  different  footing  from  that  on  which  our  former 
prisoners  were,  and  the  agreement  totally  dissolved.  We  are  told 
government  offered  the  prisoners  they  took  to  the  India  Company, 
and  they  have  procured  an  act  dispensing  with  that  of  the  habeas 
corpus  in  particular  cases  of  persons  supposed  inimical  to  them. 
How  far  they  or  their  commanders  may  adopt  these  measures,  re- 
mains to  be  known.  I  have  only  mentioned  them  as  they  respect 
the  general  subject  of  my  letter."  * 

Congress  moved  slowly,  but  in  the  end  approved  of  Washington's 
reasoning,  and  directed  him  not  to  recede  from  his  position.  As  a 
consequence  he  wrote  a  full  reply. 

TO    LIEUTENANT-GENERAL   HOWE. 

Middlebrook,  i o  June,  1777. 
Sir: 

Your  several  letters  of  the  21st  of  April,  2  2d  of  May,  and  5  th  in- 
stant, have  been  received.     Having  stated  my  sentiments  in  an  ex- 

*  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  28  May,  1777. 


44  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

plicit  manner  in  my  letter  of  the  9th  of  April,  upon  the  subject  of 
your  demand  and  the  disagreement  between  us,  I  thought  it  unnec- 
essary to  trouble  you  with  a  repetition  of  them.  From  the  com- 
plexion of  yours  of  the  21st  of  April,  we  appeared  to  differ  so  widely, 
that  I  could  entertain  no  hopes  of  a  compromise  being  effected,  or 
that  an  answer  would  produce  any  good  end.  But,  as  you  have 
called  upon  me  again  for  my  final  determination  upon  the  matter,  I 
shall  freely  give  it,  after  making  some  observations  upon  what  you 
have  said,  with  the  intention  to  obviate  the  objections  on  my  part  to 
a  compliance  with  your  demand  through  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wal- 
cott. 

You  admit  the  principle,  upon  which  my  objection  to  account  for 
the  whole  number  of  prisoners  sent  out  by  you  is  founded,  but  deny 
the  application,  by  delicately  insinuating,  in  the  first  instance,  that 
the  ill  treatment  complained  of,  was  "  an  expedient  to  cherish  pop- 
lar delusion,"  and  by  asserting,  in  the  second,  that,  supposing  their 
sufferings  to  have  been  real,  they  were  to  be  ascribed  to  other  causes, 
than  those  assigned  by  me.  I  shall  not  undertake  to  determine,  on 
whom  the  charge  of  endeavouring  to  excite  popular  delusion  falls 
with  most  propriety ;  but  I  cannot  forbear  intimating,  that,  however 
successful  ingenious  miscolorings  may  be,  in  some  instances,  to  per- 
plex the  understanding  in  matters  of  Speculation,  yet  it  is  difficult  to 
persuade  Mankind  to  doubt  the  Evidence  of  their  Senses,  and  the 
reality  of  those  facts,  for  which  they  can  appeal  to  them.  Unless 
this  can  be  done,  permit  me  to  assure  you,  it  will  always  be  be- 
lieved, whatever  may  be  suggested  to  the  contrary,  that  men  could 
not  be  in  a  more  deplorable  situation,  than  those  unhappy  sufferers 
were,  who  are  the  subject  of  our  difference.  Did  I  imagine  that 
you,  Sir,  had  any  serious  scruples  on  the  occasion,  I  might  produce, 
in  support  of  what  I  have  alleged,  the  strongest  proofs  that  Human 
testimony  can  afford. 

To  prove  that  the  prisoners  did  not  suffer  from  any  ill  treatment 
or  neglect  of  yours,  you  say,  "  they  were  confined  in  the  most  airy 
buildings  and  on  board  the  largest  transports  in  the  fleet ;  that  they 
were  supplied  with  the  same  provisions,  both  in  quantity  and  qual- 
ity, as  were  allowed  to  your  Troops  not  on  service ;  that  the  sick, 
such  of  them  as  required  peculiar  care,  were  received  into  the 
British  hospitals,  and  the  rest  attended  by  their  own  surgeons,  who 
were  supplied  with  medicines  without  restriction,  till  it  was  discov- 
ered, that  they  disposed  of  large  quantities  by  private  sale."  That 
airy  buildings  were  chosen  to  confine  our  men  in,  is  a  fact  I  shall 
not  dispute.  But,  whether  this  was  an  advantage  or  not,  in  the 
Winter  Season,  I  leave  it  to  you  to  decide.  I  am  inclined  to  think 
it  was  not,  especially  as  there  was  a  General  complaint,  that  they 
were  destitute  of  fire  the  greater  part  of  the  time,  and  were  only 
prevented    from   feeling  the   inclemency   of    the   weather,    in   its 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  45 

extremest  rigor,  by  their  crowded  situation.  This,  I  must  believe, 
was  not  very  conducive  to  their  health ;  and,  if  we  may  judge  by- 
comparison,  we  must  conclude  that  they  endured  similar  inconven- 
iences on  board  the  transports. 

As  to  the  supplies  of  provisions,  I  know  not  what  they  were.  My 
ideas  of  the  matter  were  drawn  from  their  united  testimony,  con- 
firmed by  their  appearance,  which  represented  the  allowance  as 
insufficient  in  quantity,  bad  in  quality,  and  irregularly  served.  You 
yourself  mention  some  "  accidental  instances  of  omission."  I  appre- 
hend they  were  much  more  frequent,  than  you  were  apprized  of.  It 
may  not  be  improper  to  observe,  that  there  is  a  material  difference 
between  persons  confined  and  deprived  of  every  means  of  subsist- 
ence, in  aid  of  their  allowance,  and  those  who  are  at  large  and  have 
other  resources,  as  is  the  case  with  your  Troops  when  not  on  ser- 
vice, who  have  the  benefit  of  their  pay,  and  what  they  can  occasion- 
ally gain  by  their  labor.  You  might  also  find  from  inquiry,  that  we 
made  no  distinction  in  our  supplies,  between  your  soldiers,  prisoners 
with  us,  and  our  own  in  the  field.  They  were  not  stinted  to  a 
scanty  pittance,  but  had  full  as  much  as  they  could  use,  and  of  the 
best  kind.  In  respect  to  the  attention  paid  to  the  sick,  I  am  sorry 
their  accommodation  was  injured,  in  any  degree,  by  the  misconduct 
of  the  surgeons.  I  heartily  join  with  you  in  reprobating  their  pro- 
ceedings, and  shall  esteem  it  a  favor,  if  you  will  point  out  the  per- 
sons, and  furnish  me  with  such  proofs  of  their  guilt  as  you  may  be 
possessed  of. 

The  more  effectually  to  exonerate  yourself  from  the  consequences 
imputed  to  the  neglect  or  ill  treatment  of  the  prisoners,  you  assert 
they  had  every  comfort  and  assistance  from  you,  that  your  situation 
would  admit ;  and  that  they  wanted  nothing  but  money  and  cloath- 
ing,  which  ought  to  have  been  furnished  by  me.  Had  we  left  your 
prisoners  with  us  to  depend  entirely  upon  the  supplies  they  drew 
immediately  from  you,  their  condition  would  have  been  little  better 
than  ours  in  your  hands.  Your  officers  and  soldiers  can  both  inform 
you,  that  they  experienced  every  mark  of  public  and  private  gener- 
osity, that  could  be  shown  them.  Frequent  instances  might  be  ad- 
duced, that,  on  notice  of  your  men  being  in  want,  orders  were 
immediately  given,  that  necessaries  should  be  procured  for  them. 
Every  thing  was  done,  on  our  part,  to  facilitate  any  steps  you  took 
for  the  same  end. 

You  were  permitted  to  have  an  agent  amongst  us,  countenanced 
by  public  authority,  and  allowed  every  latitude  he  could  wish  to 
enable  him  to  execute  his  office.  I  am  sorry  to  say,  the  same  con- 
duct has  not  been  observed  towards  us  ;  and  that  there  are  instances 
to  show,  that,  far  from  endeavoring  to  remove  the  difficulties,  which 
necessarily  lay  in  our  way,  to  making  such  ample  supplies  as  we 
could  wish,  obstacles  have  been  made,  that  might  very  well  have 


46  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

been  waved.  A  late  instance  of  this  is  to  be  found  in  your  refusing 
to  let  us  have  a  procuring  agent  with  you,  who  might  purchase  what 
was  necessary  to  supply  the  wants  of  our  men.*  You  must  be  sensi- 
ble, that,  for  want  of  a  regular  mode  being  adjusted  for  mutually 
conveying  supplies,  there  was  a  necessity  for  an  exercise  of  gener- 
osity on  both  sides.  This  was  done  by  us,  and  we  supposed  would 
have  been  done  by  you,  which  made  us  less  anxious  in  providing, 
than  we  should  have  been,  had  we  foreseen  what  has  really  hap- 
pened. We  ascribed  every  deficiency  on  your  part  to  the  indeter- 
minate situation  of  affairs  in  this  respect ;  and,  looking  forward  to  a 
more  provident  arrangement  of  the  matter,  we  thought  it  our  duty 
not  to  let  the  prisoners  with  us  be  destitute  of  anything  requisite  for 
their  preservation,  and  imagined  that  your  reasonings  and  feelings 
would  have  been  the  same. 

Your  saying  that  we  were  frequently  advised  of  their  distress  is  of 
little  avail.  It  was  not  done,  till  it  was  too  late  to  remedy  the  ill 
consequences  of  the  past  neglect,  and  till  our  prisoners  were  already 
reduced  to  a  miserable  extremity.  I  wish  their  sufferings  may  not 
have  been  increased  in  the  article  of  cloathing,  by  their  being  de- 
prived of  what  they  had,  through  the  rapacity  of  too  many  of  their 
captors.     Reports  of  this  kind  have  not  been  wanting. 

You  further  observe,  that  my  own  experience  would  suggest 
whether  our  army,  in  the  course  of  the  last  campaign,  was  not  sub- 
ject to  the  same  calamitous  mortality  with  the  prisoners  in  your  pos- 
session. I  cannot  but  confess,  that  there  was  a  great  degree  of 
sickness  among  us  ;  but  I  can  assure  you,  that  the  mortality  bore  no 
kind  of  resemblance  to  that,  which  was  experienced  by  the  prisoners 
with  you ;  and  that  the  disorders  in  the  camp  had  nearly  ceased 
before  the  captivity  of  a  large  proportion  of  them.  The  garrison, 
that  fell  into  your  hands  on  the  16th  of  November,  was  found,  I  am 
convinced,  in  perfect  health. 

In  reply  to  my  intimation,  that  it  would  have  been  happy,  if  the 
Expedient  of  sending  out  our  men  had  been  earlier  thought  of,  you 
are  pleased  to  say,  that  the  Event  has  proved  the  caution  with  which 
you  ought  to  have  adopted  the  measure.  What  inference  can  be 
drawn  from  my  refusing  to  account  for  prisoners,  scarcely  alive,  and 
by  no  means  in  an  exchangeable  condition,  to  warrant  an  insinua- 
tion, that  I  should  have  done  the  same,  had  they  been  released 
under  different  circumstances,  let  your  own  candor  determine.  But 
then  you  ask,  "  How  is  the  cause  of  debility  in  prisoners  to  be  ascer- 
tained?"    This  seems  to  be  considered  as  a  perplexing  Question. 

*  In  acknowledging  the  commission  as  Deputy  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  Lewis 
Pintard  returned  it,  and  wrote :  "  I  must  inform  you  that  I  believe  no  person 
bearing  the  like  would  be  permitted  to  remain  in  the  city  [New  York],  and  act 
under  it."    19  May,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  47 

For  my  part,  I  cannot  view  it  as  involving  any  great  difficulty. 
There  is  no  more  familiar  mode  of  reasoning,  than  from  effects  to 
causes,  even  in  matters  of  the  most  interesting  importance.  In  the 
subject  before  us,  the  appearance  of  the  prisoners,  and  what  event- 
ually happened,  proved  that  they  had  been  hardly  dealt  with ;  but 
their  joint  asseverations,  aided  by  the  information  of  others  not  in- 
terested in  the  distress,  more  than  as  they  regarded  the  rights  of 
humanity,  established  the  fact  too  firmly  for  Incredulity  itself  to 
doubt  it. 

I  should  hardly  believe  you  to  be  serious  in  your  application  of 
the  exception,  to  which  you  allude,  to  the  case  of  Major-General 
Lee,  if  you  had  not  persisted  in  a  discrimination  respecting  him.  I 
did  not  entertain  the  most  distant  Idea,  that  he  could  have  been 
supposed  to  come  under  the  description  contained  in  it ;  and  to 
force  such  a  construction  upon  that  gentleman's  circumstances,  how- 
ever it  may  be  an  Evidence  of  ingenuity,  is  but  an  indifferent  speci- 
men of  candor.  I  still  adhere  to  what  I  have  already  advanced  on 
this  Head.     I  can  by  no  means  think  of  departing  from  it. 

I  am  now  to  give  you  my  final  decision  on  the  subject  of  your  de- 
mands. In  doing  this,  I  can  do  little  more  than  repeat  what  I  have 
already  said.  I  am  extremely  desirous  of  a  general  exchange,  on 
liberal  and  impartial  principles ;  and  it  is  with  great  concern  I  find, 
that  a  matter,  so  mutually  .interesting,  is  impeded  by  unnecessary 
obstacles.  But  I  cannot  consent  to  its  taking  place,  on  terms  so  dis- 
advantageous as  those  you  propose,  and  which  appear  to  me  so  con- 
trary to  justice  and  the  spirit  of  our  agreement.  I  think  it  proper  to 
declare,  that  I  wish  the  difference  between  us  to  be  adjusted  on  a 
generous  and  equitable  plan,  and  mean  not  to  avail  myself  of  the  re- 
leasement  of  the  prisoners  to  extort  any  thing  from  you  not  compati- 
ble with  the  strictest  justice.  Let  a  reasonable  proportion  of  pris- 
oners to  be  accounted  for  be  settled,  and  General  Lee  declared 
exchangeable,  when  we  shall  have  an  officer  of  yours  of  equal  rank  in 
our  possession.  I  ask  no  more.  These  being  done,  I  shall  be  happy 
to  proceed  to  a  General  Exchange.  But,  in  the  mean  time,  I  am 
willing  that  a  partial  one  should  take  place  for  the  prisoners  now  in 
your  hands,  as  far  as  those  in  ours  will  extend,  except  with  respect 
to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  and  the  Hessian  field-officers,  who 
will  be  detained  till  you  recognise  General  Lee  as  a  prisoner  of  war, 
and  place  him  on  the  footing  I  claim.  This  latter  proposition  I  am  in- 
duced to  make,  from  the  distinction  which  your  Letter  of  the  2 2d 
May  seems  to  hold  forth ;  and  I  think  it  necessary  to  add,  that  your 
conduct  towards  prisoners  will  govern  mine. 

The  situation  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell,  as  represented  by 
you,  is  such  as  I  neither  wished  nor  approve.  Upon  the  first  inti- 
mation of  his  complaints,  I  wrote  upon  the  subject,  and  hoped  there 
would  have  been  no  further  cause  of  uneasiness.     That  gentleman, 


48  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  am  persuaded,  will  do  me  the  justice  to  say,  he  has  received  no  ill 
treatment  at  my  instance.  Unnecessary  severity  and  every  species 
of  insult  I  despise,  and,  I  trust,  none  will  ever  have  just  reason  to 
censure  me  in  this  respect.  I  have  written  again  on  your  remon- 
strance, and  have  no  doubt  such  a  line  of  conduct  will  be  adopted, 
as  will  be  consistent  with  the  dictates  of  humanity  and  agreeable  to 
both  his  and  your  wishes. 

I  am,  Sir,  &c. 

Congress  also  referred  the  whole  subject  of  prisoners  to  the  Board 
of  War,  where  there  must  have  been  some  difference  of  opinion.  A 
subject  that  had  been  so  fully  treated  by  the  opposing  generals,  and 
which  was  blocked  needlessly  by  the  insistance  of  Congress  to  secure 
Lee's  release,  ought  not  to  have  required  long  study.  Both  the  gen- 
erals admitted  that  they  had  agreed  upon  the  terms  of  a  cartel ;  that 
those  terms  had  been  in  part  carried  into  effect,  and  that  minor 
differences  had  arisen  that  a  reasonable  policy  could  determine. 
Lee  had  now  been  admitted  to  his  parole,  so  that  obstruction  was  out 
of  the  way. 

The  Board  of  War,  in  a  meeting  held  22  July,  1777,  at  which  John 
Adams,  James  Wilson  and  William  Duer  were  present,  agreed  to  re- 
port to  Congress 

"That  General  Washington  be  empowered  to  negotiate  an  ex- 
change of  prisoners  with  General  Howe,  for  such  prisoners  as  are 
now  in  captivity  not  having  any  respect  to  the  present  Dispute  rela- 
tive to  the  privates  who  died  upon  the  Road  before  they  reached  the 
place  of  their  Destination,  which  for  the  present  is  to  be  suspended, 
and  that  such  exchange  be  made  without  any  exception  of  Lt.  Colo- 
nel Campbell  or  the  Hessian  Field  officers." 

The  proposition  was  rejected  by  Congress,  4  ayes,  6  noes,  and  one 
divided.*     A  modified  measure  was  adopted  7  June,  1777. 

"  Resolved,  That  General  Washington  be  authorized  to  negotiate 
the  exchange  of  prisoners  with  the  enemy  in  such  manner  and  on 
such  terms,  as  he  shall  judge  expedient,  notwithstanding  the  resolu- 
tion of  Congress  respecting  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  and  the 
five  Hessian  field  officers." 

Twelve  days  later  these  officers  were  admitted  to  parole. 

Although  the  question  of  a  cartel  was  thus  replaced  on  precisely 
the  footing  it  was  during  the  summer  of  1776,  the  time  for  acting 
was  unpropitious.     The  activities  of  recruiting  and  disciplining  the 

*  MS.  The  vote  is  shown  by  an  endorsement  in  Thomson's  writing,  but  the 
details  of  the  votes  by  States  are  not  given. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  49 


army,  and  the  excitements  of  a  campaign  intervened.  A  Commis- 
sary General  of  Prisoners  was  appointed,  and  a  better  choice  than 
Elias  Boudinot  could  hardly  have  been  made.*  The  questions  of 
care,  of  expense  and  policy,  were  strongly  in  favor  of  an  exchange ; 
while  the  stories  of  suffering  on  both  sides  lent  great  weight  to  an- 
other appeal.  On  a  chance  opportunity  Washington  reopened  the 
matter. 

TO    SIR   WILLIAM    HOWE. 

Head-Quarters,  4  November,  1777. 
Sir: 

I  have  been  informed  by  Lieutenant- Colonel  Frazer,  who  is  now 
a  prisoner  in  your  possession,  that  Major  Balfour,  one  of  your  aids, 
had  assured  him,  that  it  was  your  earnest  desire,  that  a  general  ex- 
change of  prisoners  should  take  place  on  equitable  terms,  or,  if  this 
could  not  be  effected,  that  the  officers  on  both  sides  should  be 
released  on  parole.  This,  I  have  no  doubt,  was  done  by  your 
authority,  and  with  an  intention,  that  it  should  be  communicated  to 
me.  I  assure  you,  Sir,  nothing  would  afford  me  more  satisfaction, 
than  to  carry  the  first  proposition  into  execution.  But,  lest  we 
should  still  unhappily  disagree  about  the  privates  to  be  accounted 
for,  and  that  this  may  not  operate  to  the  prejudice  of  the  officers,  it 
is  my  wish,  for  their  mutual  relief,  that  their  exchange  may  imme- 
diately take  place,  so  far  as  circumstances  of  rank  and  number  will 
apply ;  and  if  any  should  then  remain,  that  they  may  return  to  their 
friends  on  parole.  I  am  induced  to  mention  an  exchange,  in  pref- 
erence to  the  other  mode  of  release,  supposing  that  it  will  be  more 
agreeable  to  both  parties. 

While  we  are  on  this  subject,  I  would  take  the  liberty  to  suggest, 
that  on  the  footing  of  our  present  agreement  the  colonels,  who  are 
your  prisoners,  cannot  be  exchanged,  there  being  no  officers  of  the 
like  rank  in  your  army  prisoners  with  us.  From  this  consideration, 
I  am  led  to  inquire,  whether  an  equivalent  cannot  be  fixed  on  to 
effect  it,  as  has  been  practised  in  similar  cases.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  &c. 

GENERAL   HOWE   TO    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Philadelphia,  6  November,  1777. 
Sir: 

I  am  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  4th  instant.  The  general 
exchange  of  prisoners  is  so  desirable  a  measure  in  justice  to  the 
officers  and  men  immediately  concerned,  that  I  have  repeatedly  de- 

*  Washington  to  Boudinot,  I  April,  1777. 


50  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

manded  of  you  a  releasement  of  prisoners  equivalent  to  those  you 
have  received,  as  far  as  the  numbers  in  your  possession  will  admit, 
on  which  condition  I  could  enter  upon  a  further  exchange.  The 
officers  I  have  already  permitted  to  return  to  their  homes,  on  account 
of  some  peculiarity  in  their  situations ;  and  other  indulgences,  need- 
less to  mention,  must  sufficiently  have  evinced  my  desire  to  relieve 
the  whole ;  and,  when  this  previous  point  before  mentioned  is  ad- 
justed by  our  respective  Commissaries,  I  shall  readily  agree  to  make 
the  exchange  as  general  as  possible,  and  to  the  return  of  all  such 
officers  and  men  as  may  afterwards  remain  unexchanged  on  either 
side,  under  obvious  and  reasonable  conditions. 

Those  at  present  prisoners  with  me  are  ready  to  be  delivered  on 
the  shortest  notice,  and  it  rests  solely  with  you  to  justify  me  in  doing 
it.     *     *     * 

In  this  fair  situation  every  prospect  for  an  exchange  seemed  favor- 
able. Unfortunately,  the  terms  of  capitulation  granted  by  Gates  to 
Burgoyne,  all  too  favorable  to  the  British  general,  afforded  a  new  pre- 
text for  delaying  the  settlement.  Again  did  Congress  interfere,  and 
setting  aside  a  solemn  compact  on  a  very  frivolous  pretext,  involved 
itself  in  a  web  of  casuistry,  and  its  general  in  a  predicament  from 
which  he  could  hardly  extricate  himself  with  honor — unless  he  chose 
to  override  the  express  injunctions  of  that  body.  Of  Gates'  right 
to  enter  into  a  convention,  there  was  no  question ;  and  the  terms 
of  that  convention,  however  much  to  be  criticised  from  the  stand- 
point of  policy,  should  have  been  strictly  complied  with.  The  first 
note  of  suggestion  came  from  the  New  York  Council  of  Safety : — 

FROM   THE    NEW   YORK   COUNCIL    OF    SAFETY  TO    THE   CON- 
TINENTAL   CONGRESS. 

5  November,  1777. 
******  ** 

It  is  from  Congress  that  we  expect  relief;  the  means  are  in  their 
hands,  if  scruples,  ill  suited,  in  our  opinion,  to  the  circumstances  of 
the  country,  and  reprobated  by  the  conduct  of  the  enemy,  do  not 
prevent  the  use  of  them.  Gen'l  Burgoyne  and  his  army  are  valuable 
hostages  for  the  future  good  behaviour  of  the  enemy.  Should  we 
permit  them  to  depart,  may  we  not  have  reason  to  fear  the  impreca- 
tions of  those  who  are  already  ruined  by  their  ravages,  and  that  we 
may  be  judged  by  the  laudable  jealousy  of  the  tories,  as  accessory  to 
future  devastations  by  the  British  army?  We  know,  Sir,  that  treaties 
are  sacred,  and  God  forbid  that  those  with  whom  we  contend  should, 
in  violating  them,  be  justified  by  our  example.     But  they  profess  to 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  51 

believe  that  no  faith  is  to  be  kept  with  those  they  call  rebels ;  and 
we  have  little  doubt  that  Gen'l  Burgoyne's  army  will  consider  them- 
selves as  released  from  their  engagements,  the  moment  they  quit  the 
port  of  Boston.  For  a  breach  of  their  convention  they  will  not  need 
pretences,  if  an  open  avowal  of  their  principles  should  not  render  all 
pretences  unnecessary ;  may  they  not  allege  that  we  have  broke  faith 
with  them  in  the  affair  of  the  Cedars,  and  in  the  cartel  for  the  ex- 
change of  prisoners?  However  this  may  be,  shall  we  hesitate  about 
the  part  that  we  ought  to  take,  when,  happily,  they  have  furnished 
us  with  just  and  solid  reasons  for  considering  the  convention  as 
nullified  by  their  own  acts?  All  treaties,  sir,  ought  by  the  contract- 
ing parties  to  be  executed,  not  only  in  conformity  to  their  letter,  but 
according  to  their  true  spirit,  intent  and  meaning  ;  and  more  partic- 
ularly so,  those  which  are  capitulatory  in  their  nature,  because  being 
founded  inter  arma,  they  admit  not  of  that  technical  precision  which 
may  be  justly  expected  in  all  other  treaties.  The  apparent  scope  of 
the  convention  in  question,  is  to  secure  a  free  and  undisturbed 
return  of  the  British  army,  commanded  by  Gen'l  Burgoyne,  to  Great 
Britain  and  Canada,  entirely  disarmed  and  divested  of  every  thing 
but  their  personal  baggage  and  the  means  of  carrying  it ;  and  inca- 
pacitated to  serve  in  America  during  the  present  war.  This  appears 
most  manifestly  from  the  2d  and  6th  articles ;  and  hence  it  follows, 
that,  according  to  good  faith,  all  provisions,  arms,  artillery,  stores 
and  ensigns  of  war,  tents,  public  equipage,  and  the  military  chest, 
ought  to  have  been  delivered  to  us.  But  of  all  these,  sir,  what  have 
we  received  ?  The  arms  delivered  up  are  by  no  means  proportioned 
to  the  number  of  men,  of  which  their  army  consisted,  without  esti- 
mating spare  arms,  of  which  there  is  reason  to  believe  they  had  a 
considerable  quantity  to  put  into  the  hands  of  the  disaffected ;  and 
many  of  those  given  in  were  purposely  injured.  The  standards  and 
military  chest  are  either  destroyed  or  secreted;  the  tents  burned, 
and  only  a  part  of  those  immense  stores  which  they  possessed,  has 
come  to  our  hands.  Upon  a  more  minute  inquiry,  more  important 
infractions  may  probably  be  discovered.  If  the  infractions  we  have 
alleged  are  not  sufficient,  in  the  judgment  of  Congress,  to  nullify  the 
convention,  we  wish  such  inquiry  may  be  made.  In  the  meanwhile 
we  would  beg  leave  to  ask,  whether  it  is  not  highly  imprudent  to 
leave  between  4  and  5,000  men,  with  their  officers  at  their  head,  so 
near  the  seacoast  as  Boston,  especially  while  the  enemy's  troops  are 
at  Rhode  Island  ?  or  when,  after  embarkation,  the  prisoners  of  war 
may  reinforce  the  enemy  in  New  York,  or  Pennsylvania,  or  with  new 
supplies,  make  fresh  inroads  into  this,  or  some  neighboring  states? 
We  would,  therefore,  beg  leave  to  hint,  that  it  may  not  be  improper 
for  Congress  to  retard  the  embarkation  of  General  Burgoyne  and  his 
troops,  until  full  inquiry  can  be  made  whether  he  has  honestly  per- 
formed his  part  of  the  convention. 


52  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

We  have  spoken,  sir,  with  freedom  ;  our  all  depends  upon  it.  We 
must  either  bring  the  enemy  to  deal  with  us  upon  equal  terms,  or 
we  must  give  up  the  contest.  If  we  fetter  ourselves  with  treaties, 
while  they  disregard  all  laws,  both  human  and  divine,  we  forge  our 
own  chains ;  and,  like  the  apocryphal  hero,  prefer  death  and  the 
ruin  of  our  country  to  the  breach  of  ceremonies  which  our  adver- 
saries contemn.  We  have  long  borne  with  their  inhumanity ;  our 
threats  of  retaliation  have  been  hitherto  considered  as  idle  words, 
and  it  is  time  to  give  them  efficacy ;  the  juncture  is  favorable.  A 
brave  people  should  dare  to  execute  what  they  have  thought  it  just 
to  threaten.  ****** 

Washington  placed  his  objection  on  a  very  much  higher  plane,  for 
he  thought  the  ministry  would  replace  the  garrisons  in  England  with 
these  convention  troops,  and  send  the  garrison  men  to  serve  in 
America — a  stroke  of  policy  which  would  not  have  violated  the  letter 
of  Burgoyne's  convention.  He  suggested  that  some  delay  might  be 
caused  in  their  departure  by  refusing  to  sell  them  sea  stores,  but 
supplying  them  with  rations  agreeably  to  stipulation.*  Another 
consideration  of  some  importance  suggested  itself  to  Washington. 
The  disadvantages  of  an  embarkation  at  Boston  were  so  great  that 
no  request  of  Burgoyne  to  have  the  port  changed  should  be  enter- 
tained. Transports  in  rounding  the  cape  at  this  season  of  the  year 
would  run  serious  risk,  and  might  be  driven  even  to  the  West  Indies. 
So  highly  did  he  consider  this  condition,  that  he  sent  expresses  to 
enforce  it ;  j  while  Gates  saw  an  opportunity  to  delay,  and  possibly 
to  force  a  general  exchange  : 

"  It  has  occurred  to  me,  that  should  Sir  William  Howe  still  obsti- 
nately refuse  to  settle  any  equitable  cartel  for  the  exchange  of  pris- 
oners, that  Congress  would  be  justified,  in  ordering  the  fulfilling  the 

*  Washington  to  Jeremiah  Powell,  5  November,  1777;  to  General  Heath,  13 
November,  1777. 

f "  I  have  never  entertained  the  smallest  idea,  that  General  Burgoyne  should 
be  permitted  to  change  the  port  of  embarkation,  or  that  the  least  variation  of  the 
spirit  and  letter  of  the  convention  would  be  indulged  to  the  troops  under  his 
command.  There  is  no  doubt,  but  the  British  regiments  upon  their  arrival  in 
England,  will  be  ordered  to  do  duty  there,  but  the  Germans  cannot,  by  the  laws, 
serve  in  Great  Britain  or  Ireland.  If  General  Burgoyne  has  any  sinister  design, 
what  I  suggested  to  Congress  in  my  letter  of  the  10th  instant,  a  copy  of  which  I 
conclude  your  Excellency  has  received,  will  be  a  good  method  of  delaying,  if  not 
finally  preventing  the  execution  of  his  project." — Gates  to  Washington,  23 
November,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  53 


Convention  of  Saratoga  to  be  delayed,  until  the  United  States 
received  justice  in  that  particular.  At  any  rate,  there  will  be  very 
few  of  Genl.  Burgoyne's  soldiers  to  embark,  as  most  of  the  Germans, 
and  a  great  many  of  the  British,  have  deserted  upon  their  march 
towards  Boston,  and  many  more  will  yet  desert."* 

Sir  William's  letter  of  the  6th  did  not  entirely  satisfy  Washington, 
and  he  returned  to  some  points  that  needed  explanation. 

TO    SIR   WILLIAM    HOWE. 

Head-Quarters,  14  November,  1777. 
Sir: 

I  am  sorry  to  find,  by  the  tenor  of  your  letter  of  the  6th  instant, 
that  we  still  unhappily  differ  in  our  ideas  of  those  just  and  reason- 
able terms,  upon  which  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  might  take 
place,  and  that  an  event  so  desirable  is  probably  yet  at  a  distance. 
This  being  the  case,  that  relief  to  the  unhappy,  where  it  is  practica- 
ble, may  no  longer  be  delayed,  I  am  induced  to  accede  to  your 
proposition,  made  through  Lieutenant-Colonel  Frazer,  "that  the 
officers,  who  are  prisoners  of  war,  on  both  sides  should  be  released, 
and  have  liberty  to  return  among  their  friends  on  parole."  I  shall 
expect  your  answer  as  soon  as  possible  upon  this  subject ;  after  which 
I  shall  give  immediately  the  necessary  orders  for  the  return  of  your 
officers  to  such  places  as  you  appoint.  At  the  same  time,  I  wish 
that  their  exchange  may  appear  to  you,  as  it  does  to  me,  the  more 
eligible  mode  of  release.  Notwithstanding  what  I  have  said,  if  the 
interpretation  I  have  given  your  letter  does  not  correspond  with 
your  own  meaning,  and  you  are  disposed  to  proceed  to  an  exchange 
of  all  the  prisoners  in  your  possession,  for  an  equal  number  of  those 
in  my  hands,  without  regard  to  the  dispute  subsisting  between  us,  I 
shall  be  happy  to  adopt  the  measure.  I  therefore  request  an  expla- 
nation of  the  third  paragraph  of  your  letter,  where  you  say, — 
"  Those  at  present  prisoners  with  me  are  ready  to  be  delivered  on 
the  shortest  notice,  and  it  rests  solely  with  you  to  justify  me  in 
doing  it." 

In  respect  to  the  charge  against  Mr.  Boudinot,  the  enclosed  paper 
will  show  he  has  not  failed  to  represent  to  Mr.  Loring  the  wants  of 
the  prisoners  in  our  hands.  That  these  may  be  supplied,  I  shall 
upon  your  application  grant  passports  to  such  persons,  not  above  the 
rank  of  regimental  quartermasters,  as  you  may  send  out  with  neces- 
saries for  them. 

You  call  upon  me  to  redress  the  grievances  of  several  of  your  offi- 
cers and  men,  who,  you  are  pleased  to  say,  M  you  are  well  informed 
are  most  injuriously  and  unjustifiably  loaded  with  irons."     If  there  is 

*  Gates  to  the  President  of  Congress,  10  November,  1777. 


54  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

a  single  instance  of  a  prisoner  of  war  being  in  irons,  I  am  ignorant 
of  it ;  nor  can  I  find  on  the  most  minute  inquiry,  that  there  is  the 
least  foundation  for  the  charge.  On  the  contrary,  I  have  every  rea- 
son to  believe,  that  your  officers  and  men,  who  are  prisoners  with  us, 
are  experiencing  a  very  different  treatment.  I  wish  you  to  particu- 
larize the  cases  you  allude  to,  that  relief  may  be  had,  if  the  com- 
plaints are  well  founded,  and  the  character  and  conduct  of  the  per- 
sons shall  not  forbid  it. 

Now  we  are  upon  the  subject  of  grievances,  I  am  constrained  to 
observe,  that  I  have  a  variety  of  accounts,  not  only  from  prisoners 
who  have  made  their  escape,  but  from  persons  who  have  left  Phila- 
delphia, that  our  private  soldiers  in  your  hands  are  treated  in  a 
manner  shocking  to  humanity,  and  that  many  of  them  must  have 
perished  through  hunger,  had  it  not  been  for  the  charitable  contri- 
butions of  the  inhabitants.  It  is  added  in  aggravation,  that  this 
treatment  is  to  oblige  them  to  enlist  in  the  corps  you  are  raising. 
The  friends  of  these  unhappy  men  call  daily  upon  me  for  their  relief, 
and  the  people  at  large  insist  on  retaliating  upon  those  in  our  pos- 
session. Justice  demands  it.  However,  before  I  could  proceed  to 
a  measure  my  feelings  recoil  at,  I  thought  it  right  to  mention  the 
facts  to  you ;  and  I  would  propose,  that  I  may  be  allowed  to  send  a 
suitable  person  into  the  city  under  the  usual  restrictions,  to  examine 
into  the  truth  of  them.* 

I  must  also  remonstrate  against  the  mal-treatment  and  confine- 
ment of  our  officers.  This,  I  am  informed,  is  not  only  the  case  of 
those  in  Philadelphia,  but  of  many  in  New  York.  Whatever  plausi- 
ble pretences  may  be  urged  to  authorize  the  condition  of  the  former, 
it  is  certain  but  few  circumstances  can  arise  to  justify  that  of  the 
latter.  I  appeal  to  you  to  redress  these  several  wrongs ;  and  you 
will  remember,,  whatever  hardships  the  prisoners  with  us  may  be 
subjected  to  will  be  chargeable  on  you.  At  the  same  time  it  is  but 
justice  to  observe,  that  many  of  the  cruelties  exercised  towards  pris- 
oners are  said  to  proceed  from  the  inhumanity  of  Mr.  Cunningham, 
provost-martial,  without  your  knowledge  or  approbation.  I  am,  Sir, 
with  due  respect,  &c. 

*  "  Congress  in  this  morning  session  resolved  to  make  a  strict  enquiry  into  the 
treatment  of  American  soldiers  and  other  inhabitants  of  America  now  or  late 
prisoners  in  Philadelphia.  A  copy  of  the  resolution  will  be  added  to  those  above 
mentioned.  I  have  been  instructed  by  Congress  to  add  a  request  to  your  Ex- 
cellency to  demand  access  by  a  proper  officer  to  such  prisoners  as  remain  alive, 
in  order  [that]  an  effectual  enquiry  may  be  made  and  a  satisfactory  answer  as  to 
the  facts  returned.  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  the  demand  may  be  justly 
founded  on  the  precedent  of  Agents  from  the  enemy  appointed  on  their  part  and 
permitted  by  Congress  to  visit  Hessian  prisoners  on  this  side."  President  Lau- 
rens to  General  Washington,  19  November,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  55 


P.  S.  Just  as  I  was  about  to  close  my  letter,  two  persons,  men  of 
reputation,  came  from  Philadelphia.  I  transmit  to  you  their  depo- 
sitions respecting  the  treatment  they  received  while  they  were  your 
prisoners.     I  will  not  comment  upon  the  subject.     It  is  too  painful. 

REPLY   OF   GENERAL   HOWE. 

Philadelphia,  November,  1777.* 
Sir: 

I  am  averse  to  altercation,  and  therefore  wish  to  be  explicit  and 
understood  in  my  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  14th  instant,  and  to 
your  very  importunate  requisition  of  the  23d.  I  shall  never  agree 
to  a  partial  exchange  of  prisoners,  until  you  have  on  your  part  ful- 
filled the  cartel  agreed  upon ;  but  as  that  matter  has  already  been 
sufficiently  investigated  in  the  course  of  our  correspondence,  and  by 
deputies  respectively  appointed,  it  is  unnecessary  to  enlarge  upon 
the  subject.  As  liquidating  the  account,  by  the  delivery  of  an  equal 
number  of  prisoners  for  those  received  by  your  agents  and  commis- 
saries, is  the  only  preliminary,  which  can  be  admitted  for  a  further 
arrangement ;  of  course  it  rests  with  you,  whether  an  exchange  is  to 
take  place  or  not,  and  therefore  you  stand  responsible  for  the  incon- 
venience, which  the  officers  and  men  of  our  respective  armies  must 
unavoidably  be  put  to  in  their  present  state  of  captivity. 

In  order  to  alleviate  their  distress,  and  remove  the  evil  as  far  as 
depends  upon  me,  I  shall  permit  officers  for  officers  of  equal  rank  to 
go  home  upon  their  paroles.  That  rule,  if  you  choose  to  adopt  the 
measure,  shall  be  observed  for  such  officers  as  you  send  upon  their 
paroles  to  this  place,  New  York,  or  Rhode  Island.  I  could  wish 
there  were  no  grievances  on  either  side,  real  or  imaginary,  to  be 
complained  of,  as  every  man,  in  my  opinion,  who  comes  fairly  under 
the  description  of  a  prisoner  of  war,  without  any  aggravating  circum- 
stances on  his  part,  is  undoubtedly  entitled  to  good  treatment,  and 
every  indulgence,  which  can  in  prudence  be  granted  ;  but  that  indul- 
gence can  only  be  regulated  by  the  situation  of  the  place,  in  which 
the  prisoners  happen  to  reside.  If  ever  any  officer  or  commissary 
under  my  command  has  deviated  from  the  civility,  care,  and  atten- 
tion due  to  prisoners  of  war,  under  the  above  description,  it  is  not 
consistent  with  my  knowledge,  and  is  contrary  to  my  directions  and 
intention. 

The  provision  issued  to  the  prisoners,  who  are  or  have  been  in  my 
hands,  has  been  uniformly  the  same,  and  is  agreeable  to  a  regula- 
tion, which  has  long  been  established  for  victualling  British  troops, 
when  they  are  on  board  men  of  war  or  transports.  They  surely 
must  receive  that  allowance,  as  a  field-officer  visits  them  every  morn- 

*  This  letter  was  received  on  November  27th.  It  must  have  been  written  on 
the  25th  or  26th. 


56  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

ing,  who  has  orders  to  hear  their  complaints  and  to  report  to  me. 
You  cannot  suppose  there  could  be  any  intention  of  deviating  from 
this  rule  in  the  case  of  Joseph  Cloyd  and  William  Dewes.  I  have  no 
objection  to  your  sending  a  commissary,  with  a  supply  of  clothing, 
money,  and  other  necessaries  for  the  prisoners  at  Philadelphia,  who 
shall  be  permitted  to  visit  the  places  where  they  are  confined. 

In  return,  I  expect  you  will  send  passports  for  persons,  who  shall 
not  be  above  the  rank  of  quartermasters  or  commissaries,  to  carry 
supplies  for  the  prisoners  in  your  hands  at  Hartford  and  other  places, 
where  they  are  confined.  You  can  stipulate  the  places  to  which  it 
is  necessary  the  quartermasters  and  commissaries  should  go.  I  can- 
not with  any  precision  ascertain  them,  and  therefore  leave  it  at  large 
for  your  determination.  I  cannot  enter  into  the  merits  of  Mr.  Bou- 
dinot's  report  to  you,  as  he  refers  to  a  correspondence  with  Com- 
missary Loring,  who  is  at  New  York.  You  wish  me  to  particularize 
the  cases  I  allude  to,  of  prisoners  of  war  being  injuriously  and  un- 
justifiably loaded  with  irons.  Major  Stockton  and  other  officers  of 
the  New  Jersey  Volunteers  were  put  in  irons  at  Princeton.  The 
Major  and  a  captain  of  that  regiment  were  marched  out  of  that  place 
under  a  guard,  and  handcuffed  together. 

I  am  with  due  respect,  Sir,  your  most  .obedient  servant. 

W.  Howe. 

This  letter  came  at  a  critical  period,  for  Washington,  vexed  at  the 
delay  in  hearing  from  Howe,  was  in  the  act  of  giving  instructions  to 
Boudinot  to  confine  a  number  of  the  officers  in  his  hands,  and  to  put 
the  privates  under  different  and  harsher  restrictions  than  had  been 
imposed.  This  measure  of  retaliation  was  undertaken  with  great 
reluctance.  "  Captivity  of  itself  is  sufficiently  grievous,"  he  wrote  to 
Howe  on  the  28th,  "and  it  is  crued  to  add  to  its  distresses."  The 
whole  correspondence  was  sent  to  Congress,  and  the  report  of  the 
Board  of  War,  as  recorded  in  the  Congress  MS.,  discredited  Howe. 

At  a  Board  of  War,  5  December,  1777.  Present,  Mr.  Lee,  Mr. 
Duer,  Mr.  Harvey  and  Mr.  Smith. 

The  Board  beg  leave  to  report  that  they  have  taken  into  consid- 
eration the  letters  which  have  passed  betwixt  General  Washington 
and  General  Howe  from  the  4*  to  the  26*  of  November,  relative  to 
the  exchange  and  treatment  of  prisoners,  and  submit  to  the  consid- 
eration of  Congress  the  following  Resolutions. 

That  General  Washington  be  informed  that  General  Howe's  an- 
swer to  his  Letters  of  the  14th  and  23d  of  November,  remonstrating 
against  the  inhuman  treatment  of  the  American  Prisoners,  is  in  the 
opinion  of  Congress  by  no  means  explicit  and  satisfactory,  since  it 
neither  invalidates  the  truth  of  the  Depositions  of  Joseph  Cloyd  and 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  57 

William  Dewes,  Citizens  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  or 
gives  assurance  of  a  more  humane  attention  in  future  to  the  American 
prisoners  in  General  Howe's  power,  than  has  been  hitherto  shown  to 
them. 

That  General  Washington  be  directed  to  require  of  General  Howe 
a  speedy  and  explicit  explanation  of  the  following  passages  in  his 
Letter  in  answer  to  those  of  General  Washington  of  the  14*  and  the 
23d.  November. 

"As  every  Man  in  my  opinion  who  comes  fairly  under  the  descrip- 
tion of  a  Prisoner  of  War,  without  any  aggravating  Circumstance 
on  his  part,  is  undoubtedly  entitled  to  good  Treatment,  and  every 
Indulgence  which  can  in  prudence  be  granted;  but  the  Indulgence 
can  only  be  regulated  by  the  situation  of  the  place,  in  which  prison- 
ers happen  to  reside." 

"  If  ever  any  officer  or  Commissary  under  my  command  has  de- 
viated from  the  Civility,  Care  and  Attention  due  to  Prisoners  of 
War,  under  the  above  Description,  it  is  not  consistent  with  my 
knowledge,  and  is  contrary  to  my  Directions  and  Intention." 

"The  Provision  issued  to  the  Prisoners  which  are  or  have  been  in 
my  hands,  has  been  uniformly  the  same,  and  is  agreeable  to  a  Regu- 
lation, which  has  long  been  establish'd,  for  victualling  British  Troops 
when  they  are  on  board  Men  of  War  or  Transports ;  they  surely 
must  receive  that  allowance,  as  a  Field  Officer  visits  them  every 
morning,  who  has  orders  to  hear  their  Complaints,  and  to  report  to 
me.  You  cannot  suppose  there  could  be  an  intention  of  deviating 
from  this  Rule,  in  the  case  of  Joseph  Cloyd  and  William  Dewes." 

As  there  are  several  passages  in  the  above  cited  Paragraphs  which 
strongly  imply  General  Howe's  intention  of  making  a  distinction  in 
treatment  between  Persons  taken  in  Arms  and  the  faithful  and  liege 
Citizens  of  these  States,  who  by  chance  or  the  fortune  of  War  may 
fall  into  his  power;  an  intention  utterly  irreconcileable,  not  only 
with  the  principles  of  humanity  but  with  the  spirit  of  General 
Howe's  former  Sentiments  on  this  subject,  as  expressed  in  the  fol- 
lowing paragraph  of  his  letter  to  General  Washington,  dated  Staten 
Island,  August  1,  1776  : — 

"  Wishing  sincerely  to  give  Relief  to  the  Distresses  of  ALL  Pris- 
oners, I  shall  readily  consent  to  the  mode  of  exchange  you  are 
pleased  to  propose,  viz* ,  officers  for  those  of  Equal  Rank,  Soldier  for 
Soldier,  Citizen  for  Citizen,  the  choice  to  be  made  by  the  respective 
Commanders  for  their  own  Officers  and  Men." 

Extract  from  the  Minutes, 

Joseph  Nourse,  D.  S. 

Endorsed  :  "One  Motion  confirmed  as  an  amendment.  A  Reso- 
lution offered  8  Decern.     Postponed  to  15th."* 

♦The  "one  motion"  is  printed  in  the  Journals,  8  December,  1778,  and  prac- 
tically omits  the  extracts  from  Howe's  letter,  without  altering  the  purpose  of  the 


58  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

A  new  point  had  been  suggested  by  Washington  which  was  of 
importance  in  its  subsequent  developments.  In  November  he  had 
asked  why  the  British  were  allowed  to  pay  for  the  subsistence  of 
their  prisoners  in  Continental  money,  money  "  which  they  refuse 
themselves,  which  they  attempt  to  depreciate  in  every  instance  they 
possibly  can,"  and  which  they  had  openly  counterfeited.  Besides, 
the  British  had  demanded  hard  money  of  the  Americans  for  the 
support  of  the  prisoners  in  their  hands.  Why  should  not  they  be 
obliged  to  pay  in  coin?  The  suggestion  bore  fruit,  and  Burgoyne 
was  informed  that  coin  only  would  be  received,  a  condition  which 
he  thought  somewhat  odd,  as  it  implied  that  Congress  did  not  give 
credit  to  its  own  paper.*  Having  settled  this  point,  Washington  re- 
turned to  another  issue — that  of  accounts  : 

"  While  I  am  on  the  subject  of  Mr.  Burgoyne  and  his  army,  I 
would  submit  it  to  Congress,  whether  it  will  not  be  right  and  reason- 
able, that  all  expenses,  incurred  on  their  account  for  provisions, 
should  be  paid  and  satisfied  previously  to  their  embarkation  and  de- 
parture ;  I  mean  by  an  actual  deposit  of  the  money.  Unless  this  is 
done,  there  will  be  little  reason  to  suppose,  that  it  will  ever  be  paid. 
They  have  failed  (that  is,  the  nation)  in  other  instances,  as  I  have 
been  told,  after  liquidating  their  accounts  and  giving  the  fullest  cer- 
tificates, and  we  cannot  expect  they  will  keep  better  faith  with  us 
than  with  others.  The  payment,  too,  I  should  apprehend,  ought  to 
be  in  coin,  as  it  will  enable  us  to  administer  some  relief  to  our  un- 
fortunate officers  and  men  who  are  in  captivity."! 

This  was  the  situation  when  Colonel  Webb  was  made  a  prisoner. 

Pending  an  appeal  to  Howe,  Congress  issued  its  final  decision, 
that  the  embarkation  of  the  Convention  troops  be  suspended  until  a 
distinct  and  explicit  ratification  of  the  convention  of  Saratoga  should 

resolution  so  far  as  the  treatment  of  citizens  went.  Not  deeming  this  sufficient, 
another  motion  was  made  to  direct  Washington  to  "  demand  of  General  Howe  a 
speedy  and  explicit  explanation  of  the  line  of  conduct  which  he  hath  adopted,  and 
means  to  observe  in  future  to  such  persons,  whether  officers,  soldiers,  or  citizens 
of  these  States,  as  may  be  subjected  to  his  power,"  but  the  consideration  was  post- 
poned, and  does  not  appear  to  have  reached  a  final  determination. 

*  "The  demanding  hard  money  was  so  extraordinary  that  he  [Burgoyne] 
imagined  Great  Britain  would  not  hesitate  at  paying  thirty  thousand  pounds  ster- 
ling to  publish  such  a  procedure  to  the  world."  Heath  to  the  President  of  Congress^ 
1 8  January,  1778. 

t  Washington  to  Congress^  14  December,  1777. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  59 


be  properly  notified  by  the  court  of  Great  Britain.     This  bold  move, 
which  cannot  be  justified,  forced  Howe  to  agree  to  an  exchange. 

HOWE   TO   WASHINGTON. 

Philadelphia,  5  February,  1778. 
Sir: 

By  advices  received  from  Rhode  Island,  transmitting  to  me  a 
copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Heath  to  Lieut-General  Burgoyne,  a 
copy  of  which  is  inclosed,  I  am  informed  that  it  is  determined  to 
detain  General  Burgoyne's  troops  in  New  England  until  all  demands 
for  their  provisions  and  other  necessaries  are  satisfied,  and  that  this 
determination  is  grounded,  not  only  upon  a  requisition  of  mine  for 
provisions  to  be  sent  in  for  the  subsistence  of  the  prisoners  in  my 
possession,  and  for  the  purchase  of  other  necessaries,  but  upon  a  for- 
gery by  my  agents,  emissaries  and  abettors,  of  what  are  called  conti- 
nental bills  of  credit.  This  last  allegation  is  too  illiberal  to  deserve 
a  serious  answer. 

With  regard  to  the  other,  I  know  not  from  what  expression,  in 
any  of  my  letters  to  you,  it  has  been  understood,  that  I  made  the 
requisition  alluded  to.  You  know  that  the  allowance  of  provisions  to 
prisoners,  from  the  beginning  of  my  command,  has  been  equal  in 
quantity  and  quality  to  what  is  given  to  our  own  troops  not  on  ser- 
vice. If  you  had  thought  this  insufficient,  you  might  have  directed 
a  farther  supply  from  the  markets,  and  were  likewise  at  liberty  to 
send  in  whatever  articles  you  thought  proper  from  the  country.  The 
allowance  of  fuel  has  been  also  regulated,  as  well  as  our  means  would 
admit,  and  a  similar  permission  of  purchase  or  supply  from  you  has 
never  been  refused.  My  letter  of  the  21st  of  April  last  explained  to 
you  what  was  afforded  to  the  prisoners  ;  clothing,  and  some  other 
necessaries,  they  had  a  right  to  expect  from  those,  who  had  been  the 
occasion  of  their  being  exposed  to  the  chance  of  captivity,  and  that 
idea  I  have  ever  understood  to  be  mutual.  But  notwithstanding  the 
remonstrances  I  made  to  you  upon  that  point,  finding  that  supplies 
were  not  sent  in,  my  humanity  interposed  in  behalf  of  the  unfortun- 
ate men  in  our  possession ;  and,  on  a  late  representation  of  their 
distress,  I  permitted  in  this  city  the  purchase  of  blanketing,  and  such 
other  necessaries  as  the  severity  of  the  winter  require,  and  without 
which  they  must  absolutely  have  perished. 

Confident  as  I  am,  that  you  will  acknowledge  this  to  be  a  just 
recital  of  facts,  I  cannot  but  think  it  unnecessary  to  say  any  thing 
farther,  either  upon  the  cruelty  falsely  alleged  to  have  been  exercised 
against  the  prisoners,  or  the  unjust  reflections  you  have  been  so  often 
induced  to  transmit  to  me  upon  that  head.  In  consideration,  how- 
ever, of  the  real  and  unavoidable  distresses  of  the  prisoners  on  both 
sides,  as  well  as  to  put  an  end  to  all  fruitless  altercation  on  the  sub- 


6o  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


ject,  I  shall  consent  to  an  immediate  exchange  of  all  prisoners  now 
in  our  possession,  as  well  officers  as  private  men,  so  far  as  the  num- 
ber of  the  latter,  and  parity  of  the  rank  of  the  former,  will  admit. 
In  the  mean  time,  I  shall  wait  the  arrival  here  of  the  British  officers, 
whom  you  have  released  upon  their  paroles,  and  shall,  without  delay, 
send  an  equal  number  to  you  in  return. 

With  regard  to  the  account  for  provisions  and  other  necessaries, 
which  I  find  by  General  Heath's  letter  is  become  a  pretext  for  in- 
fringing, if  it  is  not  intended  as  an  absolute  breach  of,  the  conven- 
tion of  Saratoga,  I  do  readily  agree  to  the  immediate  appointment 
of  commissioners,  on  your  part  and  on  mine,  to  settle  that  account, 
together  with  all  other  accounts  for  provisions,  &c,  furnished  the 
prisoners  on  either  side,  and  to  make  payment  of  the  balance.  As 
I  have  no  objection  to  the  earliest  meeting  of  the  commissioners  for 
completing  the  exchange  and  liquidating  the  accounts,  I  trust  there 
will  be  no  new  impediment  to  the  release  of  General  Burgoyne's 
troops,  but  that  you  will  give  immediately  such  orders  for  their 
embarkation  upon  the  arrival  of  the  transports  at  Boston,  as  will 
remove  every  difficulty.  I  am  &c, 

W.  Howe. 


WASHINGTON   TO    SIR   WILLIAM    HOWE. 

Head-Quarters,  io  February,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  received  yesterday  the  favor  of  your  letter  of  the  5th  instant. 
In  answer  to  whatever  it  contains  concerning  General  Burgoyne's 
army,  and  the  measures  adopted  relative  to  it,  I  have  only  to  inform 
you,  that  this  is  a  matter  in  which  I  have  never  had  the  least  direc- 
tion. It  lies  wholly  with  Congress  ;  and  the  proposals  you  make  on 
this  head  must  be  submitted  to  them.  I  have  accordingly  trans- 
mitted a  copy  of  your  letter,  and  shall  be  ready  to  forward  to  you 
any  resolution  they  may  take  in  consequence. 

I  shall  omit  animadverting  on  your  observations  with  regard  to  the 
allowance  and  treatment  to  prisoners  in  your  hands.  It  is  a  subject 
which  has  been  fully  discussed  in  the  progress  of  our  correspond- 
ence;  and  the  necessity  of  a  further  investigation  is  superseded,  by 
your  now  meeting  me  on  the  ground  I  have  so  long  wished.  The 
powers  under  which  I  act  are  entirely  derived  from  Congress,  and 
must  of  course  be  subject  to  such  modifications,  as  they  may  think 
proper  according  to  circumstances  to  prescribe.  But,  holding 
myself  fully  authorized,  by  their  instructions  and  intentions,  to  avail 
myself  of  the  reasonable  terms,  you  are  at  this  time  willing  to  adopt 
for  the  mutual  relief  of  prisoners,  I  shall  explicitly  close  with  your 
propositions  to  the  following  effect : — "  That  an  exchange  of  all 
prisoners  now  in  our  possession,  officer  for  officer,  soldier  for  soldier, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  61 

and  citizen  for  citizen,  so  far  as  number  and  rank  will  apply,"  be 
carried  into  execution,  as  expeditiously  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will 
admit,  and  without  regard  to  any  controverted  point,  which  might 
prove  an  impediment  to  so  desirable  an  end.  And  here,  as  I  may 
not  clearly  understand  your  meaning,  when  you  say, — "  In  the  mean 
time  I  shall  wait  the  arrival  of  the  British  officers,  whom  you  have 
released  upon  their  paroles,  and  shall  without  delay  send  an  equal 
number  to  you  in  return," — I  take  occasion  to  request,  that  you  will 
be  pleased  to  favor  me  with  an  explanation  ;  whether  you  intend  to 
consider  such  officers,  on  both  sides,  as  still  continuing  under  the 
obligation  of  a  parole,  or  as  absolutely  exchanged  in  pursuance  of 
the  general  cartel.  I  see  no  reason  why  an  effectual  exchange 
should  not  at  once  operate  with  respect  to  them. 

I  also  agree,  that  two  commissioners  from  me  shall  meet  a  like 
number  from  you,  on  the  ioth  day  of  March  in  Germantown,  at  the 
King  of  Prussia  Tavern,  at  eleven  in  the  forenoon,  to  adjust  upon 
equitable  terms  the  difference  you  mention,  and  such  other  matters 
as  they  may  be  severally  empowered  to  determine. 

With  respect  to  a  general  settlement  of  accounts,  as  it  compre- 
hends points  with  which  I  have  no  authority  to  interfere,  it  is  not  in 
my  power  to  concur  in  the  measure  you  suggest  for  that  purpose.  I 
am  under  the  necessity  of  referring  it  to  the  decision  of  Congress. 
Considering  a  general  exchange  as  finally  agreed  on  between  us,  I 
shall  without  delay  order  the  prisoners  in  our  hands  to  places  in  the 
vicinity  of  your  different  posts,  as  their  respective  situations  may 
render  most  convenient ;  and  shall  give  you  notice  as  they  arrive, 
that  you  may  return  a  number  equal  to  those  sent  in  from  time  to 
time.     I  am,  with  due  respect,  Sir,  &c. 

Howe  objected  to  so  late  a  day  for  the  conference,  deeming  an 
early  meeting  essential  to  the  relief  of  the  prisoners ;  but  Washing- 
ton insisted  upon  his  date,  and  Howe  with  bad  grace  acquiesced. 
Washington  felt  obliged  to  consult  Congress.  That  body  had  ap- 
pointed in  January  a  committee,  to  proceed  to  camp,  and  consult 
with  the  Commander  in  chief  on  a  new  system  of  army  administra- 
tion. The  Committee  was  composed  of  five  members,  Dana,  Reed, 
Folsom,  G.  Morris  and  Charles  Carroll.  Among  the  subjects  that 
required  their  attention  was  the  cartel  for  the  exchange.  A  letter 
on  this  topic  was  prepared  by  Gouverneur  Morris,  and  is  preserved 
among  the  MSS.  of  the  Congress.  It  is  without  date,  and  is  en- 
dorsed "superceded  by  a  Conference."  In  it  and  Washington's  let- 
ter of  March  7th,  we  have  the  situation  outlined. 


62  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

COMMITTEE   TO   WASHINGTON. 
[Drawn  up  by  G.  Morris.] 

Sir: 

The  Committee  at  Moor  Hall  have  employed  such  Time  as  they 
could  spare  from  many  Interruptions  this  Morning  in  a  Conference 
upon  the  very  important  Subject  of  the  Cartel  now  about  to  be  es- 
tablished. And  altho'  they  may  not  be  (and  probably  are  not)  so 
well  acquainted  with  some  Facts  as  other  Gentlemen  and  having 
perhaps  different  Feelings  upon  the  Subject  may  view  the  same 
Object  in  a  different  Point  of  Light,  yet  they  conceive  that  the  Ideas 
of  Citizens  may  not  be  quite  useless  to  Gentlemen  of  the  Army  now 
about  to  determine  on  the  dearest  Rights  of  Citizens  at  least  of  un- 
fortunate ones.  Neither  will  it  be  improper  that  as  Members  of 
Congress,  they  should  endeavor  to  explain  and  to  vindicate  some 
Resolutions  of  Congress  which  must  in  the  Course  of  the  Business 
become  Matter  of  Debate  and  which  (in  the  Opinion  of  some  Gen- 
tlemen not  improperly  have  been  already  stigmatized  as  cruel  and 
unjust.  Your  Excellency's  Request,  superadded  to  these  Considera- 
tions, leads  the  Committee  to  go  into  the  Matter  a  little  at  large — 
a  Measure  which  on  so  important  a  Transaction  their  Duty  seems  to 
require. 

Without  entering  into  the  Deduction  of  an  historical  Train  of 
Facts  we  shall  simply  refer  to*  those  which  apply  to  particular  Prop- 
ositions ;  but  it  appears  to  us  absolutely  necessary  to  investigate  if 
possible  the  precise  Situation  which  the  contracting  Parties  stand  in, 
as  well  absolutely  as  relatively  to  each  other.  For  since  no  Fact 
can  be  clearer  than  this,  that  Interest  alone  (and  not  Principles  of 
Justice  or  Humanity)  governs  Men  on  such  Occasions,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  know  our  Interest  and  theirs  which  can  alone  be  col- 
lected from  such  Situations. 

And  here  because  it  frequently  happens  that  Soldiers  particularly 
young  Soldiers  are  dazzled  with  misconceived  or  ill  applied  Notions 
of  Honor  it  may  be  well  to  step  a  little  on  one  side  and  explain  our 
Sentiments.  Honor,  mutually  pledged,  appears  to  the  Committee 
to  be  the  ostensible  Security  of  Compacts  prompted  and  complied 
with  for  mutual  Ease,  Security  or  Advantage.  The  Current  of  His- 
tory will  shew  us  that  this  Security  is  for  the  most  Part  only  ostensi- 
ble, and  were  History  silent,  our  own  Melancholy  Experience  in  the 
present  War  after  the  first  Cartel  settled,  will  evince  the  Truth  of  the 
Observation  at  least  as  far  as  the  Business  before  us  requires.  But 
allowing  that  it  were  more  than  ostensible,  allow  it  to  be  real.  We 
cannot  conceive  that  it  hath  any  Thing  to  do  with  adjusting  the 
Terms  of  the  Compact.  It  is  in  publick  what  Honesty  is  in  private 
Transactions  and  tho  Honesty  obliges  a  Man  to  pay  what  he  owes, 
it  hardly  obliges  a  Man  to  run  in  Debt. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  63 


The  Enemy  possessing  Quebec,  Halifax,  Rhode  Island,  New  York, 
Philadelphia  and  Florida,  are  distressed  for  Men  to  make  a  proper 
Defence  at  these  several  Places  in  the  Beginning  of  the  ensuing 
Campaign,  they  being  at  present  ignorant  where  the  Storm  which 
they  suppose  to  be  collecting  will  fall  and  fully  convinced  that  the 
Loss  of  any  capital  Post  will  do  them  more  essential  Injury  than  the 
Failure  of  an  Expedition,  or  a  considerable  Defeat.  Besides  this,  it 
is  with  Difficulty  they  can  procure  Subsistence  for  their  present 
Force  in  America,  and  their  Supplies  of  Money  begin  to  run  low. 
They  are  therefore  much  affected  by  the  Resolutions  of  Congress 
compelling  them  to  send  Provision  in  Specie  or  pay  for  it  in  hard 
Money  at  a  par  Exchange. 

Having  mentioned  these  Resolutions  it  is  not  amiss  to  attempt  to 
clear  them  from  the  Imputation  of  Inequity.  And  first  it  must  be 
observed  that  in  every  Compact  between  belligerent  Powers  to  as- 
certain money  Matters,  Recourse  must  be  had  to  a  tertium  inter- 
veniens,  or  middle  Rate,  neither  Party  being  willing  to  trust  the 
Honesty  of  the  other,  seeing  that  if  he  did,  that  other  by  exercising 
the  allowed  sovereignty  of  a  state  might  raise  or  lower  the  current 
coin  so  as  to  suit  his  own  Convenience  according  to  the  Circumstan- 
ces and  Exigencies  which  might  arise.  A  fortiori  on  the  present 
occasion  is  such  a  precaution  necessary  to  us,  the  Value  of  whose 
Money  is  from  the  Nature  of  the  Case  more  fluctuating  than  that  of 
other  Nations.  Besides  which  the  Enemy  deny  that  it  is  Money 
and  have  not  only  the  Will,  but  in  a  great  Measure  the  Power  too, 
of  governing  its  Value,  and  further  have  exerted  themselves  to  de- 
preciate it  by  Methods  totally  unprecedented  among  honest  Men. 
If  then  it  were  agreed  that  both  Sides  should  pay  for  the  Subsistence 
of  Prisoners  in  the  Money  of  the  respective  Countries,  what  would 
be  the  Consequence  but  that  our  Resources  must  be  entirely  ex- 
hausted in  maintaining  our  Enemies,  and  this  by  Reason  of  their 
Knavery  and  our  Folly.  Besides  this  it  would  be  declaring  upon  the 
very  Face  of  the  Transaction  that  our  Money  is  not  worth  a  Quarter 
of  what  it  is  uttered  for  by  Congress,  which  is  the  next  step  to  mak- 
ing it  worth  nothing  at  all.  With  a  View  to  these  Inconveniences, 
Congress  fix  the  Medium  to  be  in  Spanish  Milled  Dollars,  worth 
each  a  paper  Dollar  of  the  Currency  of  these  States  @  4/6  Sterling. 
Nor  does  the  objection  of  Inequity  lie  so  strongly  as  Gentlemen 
suppose  even  in  their  own  favorite  Point  of  View,  for  it  is  permitted 
to  them  to  pay  in  Specie,  and  if  they  can  do  it  cheaper  and  more 
conveniently  than  in  Gold,  they  certainly  will,  but  the  Fact  is  their 
Provision  costs  them  more  than  ours  even  on  this  inequitable  Ex- 
change as  it  is  called,  and  we  shall  have  to  pay  for  so  much  as  is 
furnished  to  our  Prisoners  according  to  what  it  costs  them,  and  not 
as  we  might  have  bought  it  in  the  Country.  Nor  shall  we  be  per- 
mitted to  replace  our  Deficiency  in  Provisions  unless  they  happen  to 


64  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

want  Subsistence.  For  this  we  find  was  the  Case  at  first,  and  the 
Liberty  of  sending  in  Flour  and  wheat  as  they  grow  short  in  the  Arti- 
cles was  (on  that  Principle  and  for  their  own  Advantage)  extended 
to  an  amount  for  purchasing  other  Necessaries,  yet  even  then  they 
by  Proclamation  obliged  us  to  sell  our  Wheat  at  their  Price,  or  in 
other  Words  to  pay  for  their  Commodities  just  what  they  pleased. 
And  tho  it  may  be  said  that  this  Proclamation  applied  chiefly  or 
only  to  their  own  Territory,  yet  where  it  is  known  (and  the  Fact  is) 
that  the  Inhabitants  of  that  Territory  never  did  raise  Wheat  beyond 
their  own  consumption,  the  slight  thin  Pretence  only  exposes  their 
Conduct. 

But  to  return,  it  is  evident  that  the  Interest  of  the  Enemy  now 
calls  upon  them  loudly  for  an  Exchange  of  Men,  and  therefore  it  is 
by  no  means  a  matter  of  surprise  that  Genl.  Howe  after  having  de- 
layed it  so  long  is  from  these  circumstances  brought  to  urge  an 
Exchange  with  such  Rapidity. 

On  the  other  Hand  the  Capture  of  Burgoyne  and  the  Leizure 
allowed  the  United  States  to  breathe  from  the  late  Exertions  will  en- 
able them  to  bring  no  despicable  Force  into  the  Field  earlier  than 
the  Enemy  can  be  well  supported  by  additional  numbers ;  besides 
this  the  maintaining  so  large  a  number  of  their  Prisoners  will  bring 
in  considerable  supplies  of  solid  coin  while  the  Liberty  which  a 
Principle  of  Retaliation  now  fully  adopted  compels  them  to  allow 
our  Prisoners,  will  enable  us  to  maintain  them  with  comfort  among 
the  Enemy,  whereas  if  exchanged,  they  would  scatter  abroad  thro' 
the  Country  and  make  little  or  no  Addition  of  strength  to  our  Army. 
At  the  same  Time  the  Want  we  feel  of  good  officers  and  the  suffer- 
ings of  our  sailors  and  citizens  call  upon  us  to  establish  a  Cartel. 
Our  Interest  therefore  is  to  push  the  Exchange  of  Officers,  Mariners 
and  Citizens.  The  Mariners  indeed  will  not  be  exchanged  on  the 
ensuing  Conference,  but  must  take  their  chance  upon  the  great  and 
useful  Retaliation  which  Genl.  Howe  with  great  Propriety  condemns, 
because  it  affects  his  Interest  which  was  greatly  forwarded  by  ren- 
dering American  Prisoners  so  miserable  as  to  disincline  them  to  the 
service  of  their  Country  if  not  absolutely  forced  to  abjure  it. 

The  Exchange  of  officers  will  we  believe  be  admitted  by  the 
Enemy  tho'  from  the  Delays  affected  there,  and  the  parole  system 
adopted  there  is  very  good  Reason  to  suppose  that  they  will  expect 
great  sacrifices  on  our  Part  in  the  Exchange  of  Privates  and  also 
some  Relaxation  in  the  inequitable  Demand  of  subsistence.  But  the 
Exchange  of  Citizens  they  will  if  possible  avoid,  because  it  is  their 
Interest  to  render  the  Acceptance  of  civil  offices  extremely  danger- 
ous, since  without  civil  offices  there  can  be  no  civil  Government,  and 
the  Enemy  have  Discernment  enough  to  discover  that  civil  Govern- 
ments will  be  a  more  effectual  Bar  to  their  claim  than  any  Army 
upon  Earth,  and  this  for  Reasons  your  Excellency  is  so  fully 
possessed  of  that  it  is  needless  to  run  thro  the  Detail. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  65 

Hence  it  follows  that  the  Exchange  of  Citizens  should  be  a  sine 
qua  non  of  the  Treaty ;  it  should  be  made  the  great  Corner  Stone, 
Unless  the  Enemy  will  (which  they  will  not)  agree  to  carry  on  the 
War  upon  those  benevolent  Principles  which  we  set  them  a  fair  Ex- 
ample of  by  Releasing  all  such  of  their  Citizens  as  fell  into  our 
Hands.  The  next  Part  of  the  Treaty  should  we  conceive  be  the 
Exchange  of  officers,  and  here  as  well  as  in  the  Exchange  of  Citi- 
zens, we  ought  to  insist  that  former  agreements  be  complied  with  on 
their  Part  before  we  take  a  single  step  further  in  the  Business.  The 
great  security  of  Public  Faith  being  a  regular  and  rigid  Execution  of 
the  Performance  of  every  Promise  on  the  Part  of  our  Enemies  while 
we  have  the  Power  of  compelling  Performance,  which  will  be  the 
Case  so  long  as  we  prudently  retain  their  soldiers  in  our  Hands. 

Another  Resolution  of  Congress  presents  a  very  considerable  Ob- 
stacle in  the  way  of  this  exchange,  and  that  is  a  Resolution  directing 
that  the  subjects  of  the  several  states  found  in  Arms  shall  be  deliv- 
ered to  the  states  respectively.  The  Enemy  will  doubtless  expect 
either  a  direct  or  at  least  an  implicative  Repeal  of  this  Resolution, 
but  as  neither  the  one  or  the  other  can  be  in  the  Power  of  the  Com- 
missioners would  it  not  be  proper  either  to  obtain  a  Confirmation  of 
their  Authority  from  Congress  or  else  to  instruct  the  Commissioners 
to  insert  a  general  clause  to  the  following  Effect,  viz. :  "  Provided 
always  that  Nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  construed  in  any  wise 
to  affect  any  Acts  of  the  British  Parliament  or  Resolutions  of  the 
American  Congress."  But  if  it  shall  be  thought  most  advisable  to 
obtain  from  Congress  a  Confirmation  of  the  absolute  Power  of  the 
Commissioners,  we  then  submit  to  your  Excellency  the  Propriety  of 
directing  them  to  provide  that  such  Troops  raised  by  the  Enemy 
in  America  shall  be  last  exchanged,  and  also  a  special  Provisoe  that 
nothing  in  the  Articles  contained  shall  be  construed  to  prevent  either 
Party  from  proceeding  judicially  against  those  who  by  the  Event  of 
this  Contest  shall  appear  to  have  been  Rebels.  The  Reason  of 
which  observation  is  this  that  so  long  as  the  Troops  raised  among  us 
are  entitled  to  the  Privilege  of  equal  Exchange,  the  Enemy  will  be 
enabled  to  carry  on  the  American  War  in  a  great  Measure  by  the 
strength  of  America.  Besides  this  it  is  no  small  Inducement  to  in- 
terested Men  to  join  them,  that  at  the  worst  Great  Britain  will  make 
it  an  Article  to  save  the  Property  of  her  Adherents  in  America,  and 
altho  Prudence  may  as  it  probably  will  lead  us  to  go  a  great  Way  in 
our  Compliances  to  get  rid  of  a  very  burthensome  War,  yet  certainly 
Prudence  will  now  dictate  to  hold  out  a  Beacon  to  the  wavering  in 
Terrorem. 

Should  a  Cartel  take  Place  then  in  settling  the  Terms  great  Atten- 
tion should  be  paid  to  the  valuation  which  both  with  Regard  to  civil 
and  military  Characters  should  be  made  on  Republican  Principles, 
that  is  the  officers  should  be  estimated  very  low  when  compared  with 


66  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

the  Privates,  whether  Citizens  or  soldiers,  and  besides  this  they 
should  be  exchangeable  for  each  other  only — that  is  to  say  civil  offi- 
cers for  civil  officers,  military  for  military,  citizen  for  citizen,  and 
soldier  for  soldier.  The  Reasons  of  which,  considering  the  dispro- 
portionate number  of  officers  and  those  too  of  high  rank  among  us, 
are  too  evident  to  dwell  upon. 

In  adjusting  accounts  we  cannot  but  be  of  opinion  that  the  full 
Value  of  our  Money  should  rigidly  be  insisted  on,  and  before  the 
Ballance  is  struck  it  should  be  agreed  how  such  Ballance  is  to  be 
paid  ;  for  which  a  Variety  of  Modes  presents  itself.  If  neither  Gold 
or  Paper  will  answer  (for  if  they  will  not  acknowledge  the  legality 
and  Value  of  our  Money,  they  certainly  should  not  be  permitted  to 
pay  their  Debts  with  it)  then  it  may  be  proper  for  the  Americans  to 
pay  in  Wheat  and  the  English  in  Cloth  at  limited  Prices,  which 
would  be  for  the  mutual  Advantage  of  both  Parties,  or  to  establish 
some  other  Mode  alike  in  the  Power  of  both  to  comply  with. 

The  Enemy  will  probably  make  a  very  considerable  Demand  of 
Prisoners  taken  at  Fort  Washington,  but  before  a  Tittle  of  this  is 
complied  with  for  the  Sake  of  the  Influence  it  may  have  on  future 
Transactions,  the  Question  must  be  settled  whether  Prisoners  on 
Parole  are  or  are  not  at  the  Risque  of  those  who  grant  the  Parole, 
and  this  must  be  made  an  Article  of  the  Treaty.  For  if  they  are  not, 
then  when  old  Prescott  dies,  Lee  should  be  considered  as  released, 
because  upon  calling  for  Prescott  he  could  not  come  in,  and  there- 
fore the  other  would  not  be  bound.  But  if  they  are,  then  we  are  not 
to  account  for  one  more  of  these  Men  than  are  now  alive.  However, 
supposing  the  former  to  be  the  Rule  established,  which  we  believe 
ought  to  be  the  Case,  then  a  manifest  Distinction  is  to  be  taken  be- 
tween the  common  Accidents  of  Nature  and  other  Circumstances. 
For  clearly  should  the  Enemy  after  dismissing  Prisoners  on  Parole 
waylay  them  and  put  them  to  the  sword,  we  should  not  be  held  to 
redeem  them.  Again,  if  their  Death  was  rendered  equally  certain 
by  previously  administering  Arsenick,  the  Determination  ought  to  be 
the  same ;  and  surely  no  good  Distinction  can  be  taken  between 
Death  brought  on  by  a  Detention  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life,  and  an 
Exhibition  of  the  Principles  of  Death.  If  therefore  it  should  appear 
that  these  unhappy  Men  were  by  hard  Treatment  so  reduced  that 
great  Numbers  necessarily  died,  we  ought  not  to  be  held  to  account 
for  them,  and  a  very  favorable  opportunity  now  offers  to  stickle  for 
these  unhappy  People  to  the  uttermost  and  in  order  that  the  Enemy 
may  find  it  their  Interest  to  treat  Prisoners  better  in  future,  they 
should  not  be  suffered  to  take  the  least  advantage  of  their  own 
Wrong.  The  Commissioners  therefore  should  be  directed  to  estimate 
the  Number  of  these  Prisoners  very  low  and  further  to  start  an  Ob- 
jection whether  even  any  of  them  are  to  be  exchanged,  inasmuch  as 
the  Capitulation  of  Fort  Washington  was  clearly  broken,  and  altho  it 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  67 

may  not  be  proper  to  insist  on  this  Matter,  yet  it  will  be  of  use  to 
raise  it,  because  in  Treaty  the  Claim  of  an  adversary  should  be  op- 
posed on  every  just  and  honorable  Ground,  since  by  that  Means  it 
may  be  much  lessened  if  not  totally  avoided ;  besides  which  the  only 
Security  for  their  future  good  Faith  consists  in  making  them  pay  for 
their  former  Iniquities. 

Another  claim  they  may  perhaps  set  up  is  that  of  Restitution  for 
the  Men  taken  at  the  Cedars,  but  on  this  Occasion  the  Case  of  Fort 
William  Henry  last  War  is  so  fully  in  Point  that  they  cannot  say 
much  on  the  subject. 

On  the  whole,  Sir,  we  have  to  entreat  that  the  Commissioners  will 
not  suffer  a  Head  long  Desire  of  relieving  the  Miseries  of  our  un- 
happy fellow  Countrymen  or  a  blind  Attachment  to  Principles  which 
the  Enemy  disregard  (they  having  in  Fact  nothing  to  do  in  the 
making  of  Treaties)  to  lead  them  into  a  hasty  acquiescence  in  the 
Enemy's  insidious  Proposals,  for  such  their  Proposals  will  and 
indeed  ought  to  be,  if  they  would  maintain  the  Character  of  able 
Negotiators.  But  that  on  the  other  Hand  they  will  industriously 
consider  that  on  a  proper  Management  and  use  of  the  present 
opportunity,  the  Rights  and  Interests  of  this  Country  do  most 
materially  depend.  And  we  cannot  but  wish  for  many  Reasons  that 
they  may  be  careful  not  to  interfere  with  the  Resolutions  of  Con- 
gress, which  may  involve  in  it  very  disagreeable  Altercations. 

It  is  true  that  by  insisting  on  these  various  Points  the  Treaty  may 
become  intricate,  and  after  all  the  whole  Matter  fall  to  the  ground. 
But  if  it  should,  who  will  suffer  most  by  the  Accident.  This  is  a 
Question  which  should  be  maturely  weighed,  because  upon  a 
proper  answer  to  it  must  depend  the  Steps  to  be  taken  on  our  Part. 
And  at  any  Rate  should  the  Exchange  be  ever  so  desirable,  the  best 
Way  to  bring  it  about  will  be  by  an  apparent  Indifference  whether  it 
ever  takes  Place. 

WASHINGTON   TO   THE   PRESIDENT   OF   CONGRESS. 

Valley  Forge,  7  March,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  take  the  liberty  of  transmitting  to  you  copies  of  three  letters 
from  General  Howe,  of  the  14th  and  21st  ultimo,  and  of  the  2d  in- 
stant, with  their  enclosures.  The  unhappy  violation  of  the  flag  of 
truce  has  laid  us  under  no  small  embarrassments,  and  has  afforded 
the  enemy  good  grounds  for  complaint  and  triumph  at  the  same 
time.  This  however  is  the  natural  consequence,  and  must  ever  be 
the  case,  where  different  powers  counteract  each  other  in  matters  of 
the  most  delicate  importance.  There  are  some  circumstances  at- 
tending this  affair,  which  it  may  possibly  be  in  the  power  of  Con- 
gress to  throw  light  upon.  If  they  can,  I  shall  be  obliged  by  their 
assistance. 


68  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

March  8th. — In  consequence  of  the  letters,  which  have  lately 
passed  between  General  Howe  and  myself,  particularly  those  of  the 
5th  and  10th  ultimo,  copies  of  which  I  had  the  honor  to  transmit  to 
you  in  mine  of  the  8th,  continued  to  the  14th,  I  was  about  to  send 
commissioners  to  meet  those  appointed  by  General  Howe  for  adjust- 
ing the  disputed  points  between  us,  carrying  into  execution  an  ex- 
change of  prisoners,  and  improving  the  old  cartel,  as  far  as  it  might 
be  practicable,  for  their  better  accommodation  in  future.  This 
meeting  was  to  be  on  the  10th  instant ;  but,  yesterday  morning, 
Dunlap's  paper  of  the  4th  being  put  into  my  hands,  I  found  that  a 
resolution  had  been  made  on  the  26th  of  February,  calling  for  all 
accounts  against  prisoners  in  our  hands,  and  declaring  that  no  ex- 
change should  take  place,  till  the  balance  due  thereon  to  the  United 
States  is  discharged.  Some  of  the  States  are  not  required  to  exhibit 
their  claims  till  the  1st  of  June.  The  time  that  would  be  taken  to 
adjust  them,  and  make  a  delivery  of  the  prisoners,  would  more  than 
exhaust  all  the  ensuing  summer. 

This  resolution  I  cannot  consider  as  an  intended  infraction  of  my 
engagements  with  General  Howe  ;  yet  its  operation  is  diametrically 
opposite  both  to  the  spirit  and  letter  of  the  propositions  made  on 
my  part,  and  acceded  to  on  his.  I  supposed  myself  fully  authorized 
"by  the  instructions  and  intentions"  of  Congress  to  act  as  I  did; 
and  I  now  conceive,  that  the  public  as  well  as  my  own  personal 
honor  and  faith  are  pledged  for  the  performance. 

By  the  direction  of  Congress,  I  in  the  first  instance  stipulated 
with  General  Howe  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  "officer  for  officer,  of 
equal  rank,  soldier  for  soldier,  and  citizen  for  citizen."  This  agree- 
ment they  have  ever  approved,  and  repeatedly  declared  their  willing- 
ness to  carry  into  execution.  Their  resolution  of  the  24th  of  March 
last  empowered  me  (on  condition  of  General  Lee  being  declared 
exchangeable)  not  only  "to  proceed"  to  the  exchange  of  prisoners, 
according  to  the  principles  and  regulations  of  the  cartel  before 
agreed  on,  but  also  to  enter  into  such  further  principles  and  regula- 
tions as  should  appear  to  me  most  proper  and  advantageous.  A 
subsequent  resolution  on  the  6th  of  June  holds  forth  the  same  lan- 
guage, sanctions  my  conduct  and  reasonings  in  the  negotiations 
about  that  time  on  the  subject,  and  directs  an  adherence  to  them. 
No  event  has  occurred  since  that  period,  by  which  I  could  conclude 
there  was  any  alteration  in  the  views  of  Congress ;  so  far  from  it, 
that  all  my  late  letters  breathing  the  same  spirit  with  the  former,  and 
pointedly  signifying  my  wish  to  bring  about  a  general  exchange,  if 
not  with  an  express,  at  least  met  with  a  tacit  approbation.  General 
Howe  at  length,  by  profession  if  not  in  reality,  is  willing  to  perform 
the  agreement  on  the  conditions  required  by  me  and  confirmed  by 
them. 

It  may  be  said,  that,  with  whatever  powers  I  was  originally  vested 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  69 

to  negotiate  an  exchange,  the  resolution  of  the  19th  of  December 
last  was  an  abridgment  of  them,  so  far  as  to  annex  a  new  condition, 
the  settlement  and  payment  of  accounts  previous  to  its  taking  place. 
I  had  no  conception  of  this  being  the  case  in  the  present  instance, 
however  the  letter  may  warrant  the  construction.  Besides  the  com- 
mon principle  of  preventing  the  inconveniences,  necessarily  result- 
ing from  allowing  the  enemy  to  make  their  payments  in  paper  cur- 
rency, I  had  reason  to  imagine  that  General  Burgoyne's  army  was 
more  particularly  the  object  of  the  concluding  clause.  This  inter- 
pretation I  the  more  readily  adopted,  for,  exclusive  of  the  affairs  of 
that  army,  I  verily  believed,  that,  from  the  confused,  defective  state 
of  our  accounts  relating  to  prisoners,  there  would  be  a  considerable 
balance  in  favor  of  Mr.  Howe.  Nor  was  the  situation  of  our  accounts 
the  only  reason  for  this  belief;  the  prisoners  in  our  hands,  especially 
those  westward  of  the  Delaware,  as  I  am  informed,  have  been  in  a 
great  measure  supported  by  their  own  labor,  and  at  the  expense  of 
the  enemy,  who  have  had  agents  constantly  among  us.  If  this  is  the 
case,  the  reason  of  the  resolve  not  applying,  the  effect  ought  not  of 
course. 

But  perhaps  it  may  be  thought  contrary  to  our  interest  to  go  into 
an  exchange,  as  the  enemy  would  derive  more  immediate  advantage 
from  it  than  we  should.  This  I  shall  not  deny ;  but  it  appeared  to 
me,  that,  on  principles  of  genuine,  extensive  policy,  independent  of 
the  considerations  of  compassion  and  justice,  we  were  under  an  ob- 
ligation not  to  elude  it.  I  have  the  best  evidence,  that  an  event  of 
this  kind  is  the  general  wish  of  the  country.  I  know  it  to  be  the 
wish  of  the  army ;  and  no  one  can  doubt,  that  it  is  the  ardent  wish 
of  the  unhappy  sufferers  themselves.  We  need  only  consult  the  tide 
of  humanity,  and  the  sympathies  natural  to  those  connected  by  the 
cement  of  blood,  interest,  and  a  common  dread  of  evil,  to  be  con- 
vinced, that  the  prevailing  current  of  sentiment  demands  an  ex- 
change. If  the  country,  the  army,  and  even  the  prisoners  them- 
selves, had  a  precise  idea  of  our  circumstances,  and  could  be  fully 
sensible  of  the  disadvantages,  that  might  attend  the  giving  our  enemy 
a  considerable  reinforcement  without  having  an  equivalent,  they  might 
perhaps  be  willing  to  make  a  sacrifice  of  their  feelings  to  the  motives 
of  policy.  But  they  have  not  this  knowledge,  and  cannot  be  en- 
trusted with  it ;  and  their  reasonings,  of  necessity,  will  be  governed 
by  what  they  feel. 

Were  an  opinion  once  to  be  established  (and  the  enemy  and  their 
emissaries  know  very  well  how  to  inculcate  it,  if  they  are  furnished 
with  a  plausible  pretext),  that  we  designedly  avoided  an  exchange, 
it  would  be  a  cause  of  dissatisfaction  and  disgust  to  the  country  and 
to  the  army,  of  resentment  and  desperation  to  our  captive  officers 
and  soldiers.  To  say  nothing  of  the  importance  of  not  hazarding 
our  national  character  but  upon  the  most  solid  grounds,  especially  in 


70  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

our  embryo  state,  from  the  influence  it  may  have  on  our  affairs 
abroad,  it  may  not  be  a  little  dangerous  to  beget  in  the  minds  of  our 
own  countrymen  a  suspicion,  that  we  do  not  pay  the  strictest  ob- 
servance to  the  maxims  of  honor  and  good  faith. 

It  is  prudent  to  use  the  greatest  caution  not  to  shock  the  notions 
of  general  justice  and  humanity,  universal  among  mankind,  as  well 
in  a  public  as  a  private  view.  In  a  business  on  the  side  of  which 
the  passions  are  so  much  concerned  as  in  the  present,  men  would  be 
readily  disposed  to  believe  the  worst,  and  cherish  the  most  unfavor- 
able conclusions.  Were  the  letters,  that  have  passed  between  Gen- 
eral Howe  and  myself  from  first  to  last,  and  the  procedings  of 
Congress  on  the  same  subject,  to  be  published  with  proper  com- 
ments, it  is  much  to  be  feared,  if  the  exchange  should  be  deferred 
till  the  terms  of  the  last  resolve  were  fulfilled,  that  it  would  be 
difficult  to  prevent  our  being  generally  accused  of  a  breach  of  good 
faith.  Perhaps  it  might  be  said,  that,  while  the  enemy  refused  us 
justice,  we  fondly  embraced  the  opportunity  to  be  loud,  persevering, 
incessant  in  our  claims ;  but,  the  moment  they  were  willing  to 
render  it,  we  receded  from  ourselves,  and  started  new  difficulties. 
This,  I  say,  might  be  the  reasoning  of  speculative  minds ;  and  they 
might  consider  all  our  professions  as  mere  professions  ;  or,  at  best, 
that  interest  and  policy  were  to  be  the  only  arbiters  of  their  validity. 

Imputations  of  this  nature  would  have  a  tendency  to  unnerve  our 
operations,  by  diminishing  that  respect  and  confidence,  which  are 
essential  to  be  placed  in  those,  who  are  at  the  head  of  affairs  either 
in  the  civil  or  military  line.  This,  added  to  the  prospect  of  hopeless 
captivity,  would  be  a  great  discouragement  to  the  service.  The  ill 
consequences  of  both  would  be  immense,  by  increasing  the  causes  of 
discontent  in  the  army,  which  are  already  too  numerous,  and  many 
of  which  are  in  a  great  measure  unavoidable  ;  by  fortifying  that  un- 
willingness, which  already  appears  too  great,  towards  entering  into 
the  service,  and  of  course  impeding  the  progress  both  of  drafting 
and  recruiting ;  by  dejecting  the  courage  of  the  soldiery,  from  an 
apprehension  of  the  horrors  of  captivity ;  and,  finally,  by  reducing 
those,  whose  lot  it  is  to  drink  the  bitter  cup,  to  a  despair,  which  can 
only  find  relief  by  renouncing  their  attachments  and  engaging  with 
their  captors.  These  effects  have  already  been  experienced  in  part 
from  the  obstacles,  that  have  lain  in  the  way  of  exchanges ;  but  if 
these  obstacles  were  once  to  seem  the  result  of  system,  they  would 
become  tenfold.  Nothing  has  operated  more  disagreeably  upon  the 
minds  of  the  militia,  than  the  fear  of  captivity,  on  the  footing  on 
which  it  has  hitherto  stood.  What  would  be  their  reasonings,  if  it 
should  be  thought  to  stand  upon  a  worse? 

If  a  present  temporary  interest  is  to  be  a  ruling  principle,  it  is 
easy  to  prove,  that  an  exchange  can  never  take  place.  The  consti- 
tution of  our  army  in  respect  to  the  term  of  service  for  which  our 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  71 

men  engage,  and  the  dependence  we  are  obliged  to  place  on  the 
militia,  must  for  ever  operate  against  us  in  exchanges,  and  forbid  an 
equality  of  advantages.  Should  it  be  said,  there  are  times  when  it 
might  be  peculiarly  unequal  and  injurious,  and  that  the  present  is 
such,  on  account  of  the  weak  condition  of  our  army,  I  answer,  that 
the  delay  necessarily  involved  in  the  previous  negotiation  on  the 
subject,  in  delivering  the  prisoners  from  time  to  time  in  small  num- 
bers, and  receiving  others  in  their  stead,  and  the  mode  of  delivery 
at  different  places,  will  nearly  bring  the  matter  to  the  point  we  could 
wish,  and  give  us  leisure  to  reinforce  this  army,  if  it  is  to  be  done  at 
all,  so  as  to  obviate  in  a  great  measure  the  ill  consequences  appre.- 
hended. 

But  if  the  argument  of  interest  on  a  partial  scale  be  pursued  as 
far  as  it  will  go,  not  only  the  general  consideration  thrown  out  above, 
but  special  ones  apposite  to  every  situation,  will  present  themselves, 
that  we  ought  not  to  exchange.  Now  we  ought  not,  because  our 
army  is  weak  !  When  the  season  is  more  advanced,  and  it  is  time 
for  the  campaign  to  open,  we  ought  not,  because  our  army  may  be 
strong,  and  it  will  be  our  business  to  avail  ourselves  of  our  own 
strength,  and  the  enemy's  weakness,  to  strike  some  decisive  blow  ! 
If  they,  by  the  protection  of  their  shipping  and  impregnable  works, 
should  be  able  to  baffle  our  attempts  till  the  period  of  reinforcements 
from  Europe  arrive,  it  will  surely  then  not  be  our  interest  to  add 
numbers  and  strength  to  an  enemy  already  sufficiently  numerous  and 
strong  !  Thus,  by  a  parity  of  reasoning,  the  golden  era  will  never 
come,  which  is  to  relieve  the  miseries  of  captivity.  Our  service 
must  become  odious ;  those  who  are  out  of  it  will  endeavour  to 
keep  so ;  and  those  who  are  in  it  will  wish  to  get  out  of  it ;  every 
prisoner  the  enemy  makes  will  be  his  soldier,  rather  than  submit  to 
a  rigorous  and  despairing  confinement. 

If  we  do  not  seize  the  present  propitious  moment,  when  the  ne- 
cessities of  the  enemy  press  them  to  reasonable  terms,  to  form  and 
establish  a  liberal  cartel,  it  is  not  impossible,  in  the  vicissitudes  and 
reverses  of  war,  that  a  time  may  come  when  we  should  wish  we  had 
embraced  it,  and  interest  may  strongly  impel  the  enemy  to  decline 
it,  except  on  the  most  unequal  conditions.  True  policy,  as  well  as 
good  faith,  in  my  opinion,  binds  us  to  improve  the  occasion.  There 
are  however  some  ambiguities  in  General  Howe's  conduct,  which 
requjre  explanation,  and  ought  to  put  us  upon  our  guard.  I  deter- 
mined to  make  the  affair  of  citizens  (namely,  to  procure  an  exemp- 
tion from  captivity  for  them  if  possible,  or,  if  not,  since  it  cannot 
now  be  demanded  as  a  matter  of  right,  to  fix  their  exchangeability 
upon  the  easiest  and  most  unequivocal  foundation,)  an  indispensable 
preliminary  to  any  further  procedure ;  and  at  the  same  time  to  se- 
cure the  exchange  of  General  Lee,  and  all  other  officers,  who  have 
been  the  particular  objects  of  exception. 


72  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


The  interview  intended  between  General  Howe's  commissioners 
and  those  on  our  part  on  the  ioth  instant  is  now  postponed.*  I 
cannot  doubt  that  Congress,  in  preservation  of  the  public  faith  and 
my  personal  honor,  will  remove  all  impediments,  that  now  oppose 
themselves  to  my  engagements,  and  that  they  will  authorize  me, 
through  commissioners  appointed  for  the  purpose,  to  negotiate  a 
more  extensive  and  competent  cartel,  upon  such  principles  as  may 
appear  advantageous  and  founded  in  necessity,  and  resolutions  here- 
tofore to  the  contrary  notwithstanding ;  and  I  must  request,  that 
they  will  favor  me  with  their  answer  by  the  earliest  opportunity. 

The  work,  from  its  nature,  will  be  difficult.  Two  parties  are  con- 
cerned, whose  interests  are  more  than  opposite  in  a  common  view. 
We  shall  endeavor  to  act  for  the  best,  and  to  promote  the  public 
service  as  far  as  possible,  though  we  may  not  be  able  to  answer  the 
expectations  of  all.  But  it  should  be  remembered,  that,  although 
General  Howe's  want  of  men  affords  a  prospect  of  favorable  terms, 
yet  he  will  not  be  disposed  to  sacrifice  to  it  all  considerations  of 
general  advantage  in  a  contract  of  such  a  nature ;  and  it  is  not  even 
to  be  hoped,  that  it  can  take  place  except  on  principles  of  mutual 
benefit.  I  persuade  myself,  that  the  freedom  I  have  taken  in  deliv- 
ering my  sentiments  so  fully  upon  this  occasion  will  readily  be  ex- 
cused, as  it  proceeds  from  a  desire  to  place  the  motives  of  my  con- 
duct in  a  just  point  of  view,  and  from  an  opinion  of  duty,  that  led 
me  to  a  free  discussion  of  a  subject,  which,  considered  in  all  its 
lights,  will  appear  to  comprehend  consequences  of  the  first  delicacy 
and  magnitude. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.f 

*  "  I  have  your  letters  of  the  14th  and  21st  of  February,  and  the  2d  of  March, 
of  all  which  due  notice  shall  be  taken.  Particular  circumstances  make  it  incon- 
venient for  my  commissioners  to  meet  yours  at  the  time  appointed.  I  must, 
therefore,  beg  to  have  the  meeting  deferred  till  the  31st  of  March." — Washing- 
ton to  Sir  William  Howe,  9  March,  1778.  Sir  William  wrote,  March  24th,  to 
Lord  George  Germain:  "The  time  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  commis- 
sioners being  postponed  by  General  Washington  to  the  31st  of  this  month,  with- 
out assigning  any  satisfactory  reason,  leads  me  to  believe  that  neither  he,  nor 
those  under  whose  authority  he  acts,  are  sincere  in  their  professions  to  carry  an 
exchange  into  execution  at  this  time." 

t  Read  in  Congress,  March  16th.  \ 

After  taking  this  letter  into  consideration,  Congress  voted  to  suspend  the  ope- 
ration of  their  former  resolves  in  the  present  instance,  and  authorized  General 
Washington  to  proceed  to  an  exchange  of  the  prisoners  then  in  the  power  of  the 
enemy,  without  waiting  for  a  previous  settlement  of  accounts;  but,  in  arranging 
any  future  cartels  of  exchange,  he  was  required  to  act  in  conformity  to  the  re- 
solves, which  ordered  a  liquidation  of  accounts  for  the  support  of  prisoners,  be- 
fore they  could  be  exchanged. — Journals,  March  18th. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  73 

WASHINGTON   TO    SIR  WILLIAM   HOWE. 

Valley  Forge,  12  March,  1778. 
Sir: 

Your  letter  of  the  10th  came  to  hand  last  night.  The  meeting 
of  our  commissioners  cannot  take  place  till  the  time  appointed  in 
my  last. 

I  am  not  able  to  conceive  on  what  principle  it  should  be  imagined, 
that  any  distinction,  injurious  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  and 
the  Hessian  field-officers,  still  exists.  That  they  have  not  yet  been 
returned  on  parole  is  to  be  ascribed  solely  to  the  remoteness  of  their 
situation.  Mr.  Boudinot  informs  me,  that  he  momently  expects 
their  arrival,  in  prosecution  of  our  engagement.  You  are  well 
aware,  that  the  distinction  originally  made,  with  respect  to  them, 
was  in  consequence  of  your  discrimination  to  the  prejudice  of  Gen- 
eral Lee.  On  your  receding  from  that  discrimination,  and  agreeing 
to  a  mutual  releasement  of  officers  on  parole,  the  difficulty  ceased, 
and  General  Prescott  was  sent  into  New  York,  in  full  expectation, 
that  General  Lee  would  have  immediately  come  out  in  return.  So 
far  from  adhering  to  any  former  exception,  I  had  particularly 
directed  my  commissary  of  prisoners  to  release  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Campbell,  in  lieu  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Ethan  Allen. 

I  wish,  Sir,  I  was  not  obliged  to  say  there  are  some  ambiguities 
still  characterizing  the  measures  taken  concerning  General  Lee, 
which  justify  alarming  surmises,  notwithstanding  all  that  has  passed 
to  the  contrary.  I  have  now  been  as  explicit  as  you  can  desire,  on 
the  subject  of  Colonel  Campbell  and  the  Hessian  gentlemen ;  and  I 
hope  to  find  you  as  explicit  on  the  subject  of  General  Lee,  by  giving 
directions,  without  further  delay,  to  liberate  him  in  place  of  General 
Prescott.  General  Lee's  request,  mentioned  by  you,  to  be  permitted 
to  come  by  land  to  Philadelphia,  can  be  no  objection  to  this  requisi- 
tion. It  was  founded  upon  your  order  to  send  him  round  by  water 
to  that  place ;  and,  conceiving  it  would  be  insisted  on,  that  he 
should  pass  to  Philadelphia,  he  preferred  the  mode  of  going  by  land, 
as  the  least  inconvenient  alternative.  But  the  measure  appears  to 
me  wholly  improper,  and  a  departure  from  our  late  stipulation,  cal- 
culated to  impose  unnecessary  hardships  on  that  unfortunate  gentle- 
man, and  to  produce  needless  procrastination,  at  least,  in  allowing 
him  the  common  benefit  of  a  general  agreement.  With  due  respect, 
I  am,  '&c. 

ALEXANDER   HAMILTON  TO   GOVERNOR   CLINTON. 

Headquarters,  12  March,  1778. 
*  *  *  Another  resolve*    by   plain   implication   acknowledges  a 
thing  not  founded  in  fact,  which  is  very  injurious  to  us — to  wit,  that 
*  Journals  of  Congress,  26  February,  1777. 


74  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

we  have  enlisted  prisoners  of  war.  This  silences  all  our  complaints 
against  the  enemy  for  a  similar  practice,  and  furnishes  them  with  a 
damning  answer  to  anything  we  can  say  on  the  subject.  This  is  at 
least  an  instance  of  folly  and  inconsideration,  and  serves  to  prove 
the  general  charge. 

These  men  seem  also  to  have  embraced  a  system  of  infidelity. 
They  have  violated  the  convention  of  Saratoga,  and  I  have  reason  to 
believe  the  ostensible  motives  for  it  were  little  better  than  pretences, 
that  had  no  foundation.  I  have  lately  seen  some  letters  from  Bur- 
goyne  on  the  subject.  There  was,  however,  a  strong  temptation  for 
this,  and  it  may  be  excused,  though  I  cannot  say  the  measure  is  to 
my  taste.  Lately  a  flag  with  provisions  and  clothing  for  the  British 
prisoners  with  G[eneral]  Washington's]  passport  was  seized  at 
Lancaster.  The  affair  was  attended  with  circumstances  of  violence 
and  meanness  that  would  disgrace  Hottentots.  Still  more  lately,.  G. 
W's  engagements  with  G[eneral]  H[owe]  for  an  exchange  of  prison- 
ers have  been  most  shamefully  violated.  Congress  have  resolved 
that  no  exchange  shall  take  place  till  all  accounts  are  settled  and  the 
balance  due  the  U.  S.  paid.  The  beauty  of  it  is,  on  a  fair  settle- 
ment, we  shall  without  doubt  be  in  Mr.  Howe's  debt ;  and,  in  the 
meantime,  we  detain  his  officers  and  soldiers  as  a  security  for  the 
payment — perhaps  forever.  At  any  rate,  it  cannot  take  place  all 
next  summer. 

It  is  thought  to  be  bad  policy  to  go  into  an  exchange ;  but,  ad- 
mitting this  to  be  true,  it  is  much  worse  policy  to  commit  such 
frequent  breaches  of  faith  and  ruin  our  national  character.  What- 
ever refined  politicians  may  think,  it  is  of  great  consequence  to  pre- 
serve a  national  character;  and,  if  it  should  once  seem  to  be  a 
system  in  any  state  to  violate  its  faith  whenever  it  is  the  least  incon- 
venient to  keep  it,  it  will  unquestionably  have  an  ill  effect  upon 
foreign  negotiations,  and  tend  to  bring  Government  at  home  in 
contempt,  and,  of  course,  to  destroy  its  influence.  The  general 
notions  of  justice  and  humanity  are  implanted  in  almost  every 
human  breast  and  ought  not  to  be  too  freely  shocked.  In  the 
present  case  the  passions  of  the  country  and  army  are  on  the  side  of 
an  exchange,  and  a  studied  attempt  to  avoid  it  will  disgust  both  and 
serve  to  make  the  source  odious.  It  will  injure  drafting  and  re- 
cruiting, discourage  the  militia,  and  increase  the  discontents  of  the 
army.  The  prospects  of  hopeless  captivity  cannot  but  be  very  dis- 
agreeable to  men  constantly  exposed  to  the  chance  of  it.  Those 
whose  lot  it  is  to  fall  into  it,  will  have  little  scruple  to  get  out  of  it 
by  joining  the  enemy. 

It  is  said  not  to  be  our  present  interest  to  exchange,  because  we 
shall  endeavor,  by  and  by,  to  take  advantage  of  the  enemy's  weak- 
ness to  strike  some  decisive  blow.  If  we  should  fail  in  this,  which  I 
believe  we  shall,  when  they  get  reinforced,  we  shall  not  think  it  our 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  75 

interest  to  add  to  the  strength  of  an  enemy,  already  strong  enough, 
and  so  on  ad  infinitum.  The  truth  is,  considered  in  the  mere  view 
of  barter,  it  can  never  be  our  interest  to  exchange  ;  the  constitution 
of  our  army,  from  the  short  term  of  enlistments  and  the  dependence 
we  are  obliged  to  place  in  the  militia,  are  strongly  opposed  to  it ; 
and  if  the  argument  of  present  interest  be  adhered  to,  we  never  can 
exchange.  I  may  venture  to  assert  there  never  can  be  a  time  more 
proper  than  the  present,  or  rather  a  month  or  two  hence ;  and  go 
about  it  as  soon  as  we  please,  the  previous  negotiations  necessary  and 
other  circumstances  will,  of  course,  procrastinate  it  for  some  time. 
And  I  would  ask  whether,  in  a  republican  state  and  a  republican 
army,  such  a  cruel  policy  as  that  of  exposing  those  men  who  are 
foremost  in  defense  of  their  country,  to  the  miseries  of  hopeless 
captivity,  can  succeed  ?     *     *     * 

Alex.  Hamilton.* 

Washington  commissioned  Col.  William  Grayson,  Lieut.  Cols 
Robert  Hanson  Harrison,  and  Alexander  Hamilton,  and  Elias  Bou- 
dinot,  Commissary  General  of  prisoners,  to  meet  the  British  com- 
missioners and  take  "  into  consideration  all  past  transactions  relative 
to  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  to  adjust  the  differences  that  have  so 
long  subsisted  in  regard  to  them,  to  remove  all  difficulties  that  may 
arise  in  carrying  into  execution  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners  with 
both  parties  at  this  time,  and  finally  to  establish  a  regular  and  ex- 
plicit cartel  for  the  future."  Howe,  on  his  side,  named  Colonel 
Charles  O'Hara,  Colonel  Humphry  Stephen  and  Captain  Richard 
Fitzpatrick,  and  Joshua  Loring,  his  commissary  general  of  prisoners. 
Germantown,  the  place  of  meeting,  was  declared  neutral  territory 
while  the  conference  was  to  last,  and  the  guard  to  attend  the  com- 
missioners on  either  side  was  determined.  The  first  meeting  took 
place  on  31  March,  1778,  when  the  powers  of  the  respective  sides 
being  exchanged,  examined  and  approved,  the  British  represen- 
tatives proposed  "to  take  up  the  business  of  our  meeting,  in  the 
form  of  a  general  cartel,  and  to  make  the  discussion  of  past  trans- 
actions a  secondary  object ;  in  doing  which,  it  was  to  be  under- 
stood that  nothing  was  to  final  or  obligatory,  till  the  whole  treaty 
should  be  concluded."  This  procedure  was  accepted  as  eligible  in 
itself,  and  consonant  with  the  intention  of  the  meeting,  and  certain 
propositions  were  submitted  in  writing  by  the  English,  who  proposed 
an  adjournment  until  the  following  day,  that  the  American  represen- 

*  Works  of  Alexander  Hamilton,  (Lodge,)  vii.,  541. 


76  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

tatives  might  examine  them  and  prepare  their  answers.  The  next 
day  another  meeting  was  held,  certain  modifications  proposed,  and 
to  give  an  opportunity  of  digesting  what  the  two  sessions  had  brought 
forth,  the  next  meeting  was  named  for  April  3?  Howe  now  expected 
the  commissioners  to  retire  within  their  respective  lines  at  the  ter- 
mination of  each  session,  as  the  neutrality  of  the  place  was  to  con- 
tinue only  during  the  time  of  actual  negotiation.  This  suggestion 
was  "equally  unexpected  and  surprising"  to  the  American  Commis- 
sioners, and  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  the  conditions  on  which  the 
conference  had  been  proposed.  "  It  could  not  but  produce  much 
unnecessary  delay  in  the  negotiation,  the  distance  between  your 
camp  and  Germantown  being  sixteen  miles,  and  tended  to  impose  a 
new  and  burthensome  condition  on  us,  by  obliging  us  to  perform  a 
journey  of  twice  that  distance  every  day.  In  point  of  propriety  and 
for  the  despatch  of  business  we  thought  it  necessary,  the  Commis- 
sioners should  remain  constantly  together."  The  Commissioners  re- 
turned to  camp,  and  asked  for  instructions  from  Washington.  New- 
town was  agreed  upon  as  the  place  of  meeting,*  and  in  the  interim 
Washington  again  sought  a  clear  statement  from  Congress  of  its 
wishes. 

WASHINGTON  TO   THE   PRESIDENT  OF   CONGRESS. 

Head-Quarters,  Valley  Forge, 
4  April,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  have  now  the  honor  to  acknowledge  your  several  letters  of  the 
21st,  29th,  and  50th  ultimo,  with  their  enclosures,  which  have  been 
duly  received.  It  gives  me  pain  to  observe  they  appear  to  contain 
several  implications  by  which  my  sensibility  is  not  a  little  wounded. 
I  find  myself  extremely  embarrassed  by  the  steps  I  had  taken 
towards  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  and  the  formation  of  a  general 
cartel  making  more  ample  provision  for  their  future  accommodation 
and  relief.     The  views  of  Congress  seem  to  be  very  different  from 

*  "  Commissioners  from  me  are  to  meet  others  from  General  Howe  on  Monday 
next  at  Newtown,  to  settle  a  cartel  for  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners.  During 
the  sitting  of  the  Commissioners  none  of  our  parties  are  to  enter  the  town,  and 
you  are  therefore  to  give  immediate  notice  to  all  the  officers  under  your  command 
to  pay  strict  obedience  to  this  order.  The  British  Commissioners  will  probably 
come  part  of  the  way  on  Sunday;  they  will  be  attended  by  an  escort  of  horse, 
and  care  must  be  taken  not  to  offer  the  least  insult  to  their  flag."—  Washington 
to  General  Lacey,  4  April,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  77 

what  I  supposed  them,  when  I  entered  into  my  late  engagements 
with  General  Howe.  Their  resolution  of  the  30th  ultimo,  pointedly 
requiring  a  strict  adherence  to  all  former  ones  upon  the  subject,  will 
in  all  probability  render  them  impracticable.  I  considered  some  of 
their  resolutions  as  dictated  on  the  principle  of  retaliation,  and  did 
not  imagine  the  terms  they  contained  would  be  insisted  upon  in  ne- 
gotiating an  agreement  calculated  to  remedy  the  evils  which  occa- 
sioned them.  In  most  respects  they  might  be  substantially  complied 
with ;  but  there  are  some  points  to  which  an  exact  conformity  must 
of  necessity  destroy  the  idea  of  a  cartel.  One  is  the  obliging  of  the 
enemy  to  pay  gold  and  silver  on  equal  terms  for  Continental  cur- 
rency, estimating  the  articles  supplied  them  at  their  actual  prices 
with  us,  as  seems  to  be  the  design  of  the  resolve  of  the  19th  of 
December;  another  is,  that,  subjecting  the  inhabitants  of  these 
States,  taken  in  arms  against  them,  to  trial  and  punishment,  agree- 
able to  the  resolve  of  the  30th  of  the  same  month. 

I  am  well  aware  that  appearances  ought  to  be  upheld,  and  that  we 
should  avoid  as  much  as  possible  recognising  by  any  public  act  the 
depreciation  of  our  currency ;  but  I  conceive  this  end  would  be  an- 
swered, as  far  as  might  be  necessary,  by  stipulating,  that  all  money 
payments  should  be  made  in  gold  and  silver,  being  the  common 
medium  of  commerce  among  nations,  at  the  rate  of  four  shillings 
and  six  pence  for  a  Spanish  milled  dollar  \  by  fixing  the  price  of 
rations  on  an  equitable  scale  relatively  to  our  respective  circum- 
stances ;  and  providing  for  the  payment  of  what  we  may  owe,  by 
sending  in  provision  and  selling  it  at  their  market.  The  rates  of 
money,  and  the  prices  of  provisions  and  other  commodities,  differ 
everywhere ;  and,  in  treaties  of  a  similar  nature  between  any  two 
States,  it  is  requisite,  for  mutual  convenience,  to  ascertain  some  com- 
mon ratio,  for  both  the  value  of  money  in  payments,  and  for  the 
rates  of  those  articles  on  which  they  may  arise. 

It  was  determined  on  mature  consideration  not  to  conclude  any 
thing  expressly,  that  should  contradict  the  resolution  of  the  30th  of 
December ;  but  at  the  same  time,  if  it  is  designed  to  be  the  rule  of 
practice,  it  is  easy  to  perceive  it  would  at  once  overturn  any  cartel 
that  could  be  formed.  General  Howe  would  never  consent  to  ob- 
serve it  on  his  part,  if  such  a  practice  were  to  exist  on  ours.  Though 
the  law  ought  not  to  be  contravened  by  an  express  article  admitting 
the  exchangeability  of  such  persons,  yet,  if  it  is  not  suffered  to  sleep, 
it  is  in  vain  to  expect  the  operation  of  it  will  be  acquiesced  in  by 
the  enemy.* 

*  This  point  is  so  clear,  that  the  ground  taken  by  Congress,  and  adhered  to 
with  pertinacity,  seems  very  extraordinary.  By  the  resolution  of  the  30th  of 
December,  all  loyalists,  or  Americans  in  the  British  service,  who  should  be  taken 
in  arms,  were  to  be  sent  to  the  respective  States  to  which  they  belonged,  and 


78  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


The  measures  I  have  taken  must  evince,  that  it  is  my  determina- 
tion to  pay  the  fullest  attention  to  the  interests  of  citizens,  and  to  the 
rights  of  General  Lee,  in  the  treaty ;  and  I  think  it  but  justice  to  the 
gentlemen  appointed  to  negotiate  it  to  declare,  that  I  know  them  to 
be  so  fully  impressed  with  the  importance  of  both  those  objects,  as 
to  make  them  cheerfully  observant  of  the  injunctions  of  Congress, 
so  far  as  not  to  conclude  any  agreement,  of  which  the  exchange  of 
General  Lee  and  the  alternative  respecting  citizens  are  not  essential 
parts.     These  points  have  been  early  determined  on. 

It  is  with  no  small  concern,  that  I  have  been  obliged  to  trouble 
Congress  upon  the  subjects  of  this  letter  ;  and,  should  they  appear  to 
them  in  the  same  light  they  do  to  me,  and  they  should  think  proper 
to  remove  the  obstacles,  which  now  oppose  the  business  in  hand,  I 
must  request  they  will  be  pleased  to  communicate  their  determina- 
tion as  expeditiously  as  possible,  that  the  commissioners  may  govern 
themselves  accordingly,  and  either  proceed  to  forming  a  cartel,  or 
put  an  end  to  the  negotiation.  Before  the  resolves  of  the  30th 
came  to  hand,  they  had  met,  and  been  in  treaty  two  days,  with  a 
prospect  of  a  favorable  accommodation. 

I  am  happy  to  inform  Congress,  that  General  Lee  will  be  put  out 
on  parole  to-morrow  in  place  of  General  Prescott ;  and  I  have  every 
reason  to  expect,  if  the  negotiation  can  be  continued  upon  admissi- 
ble terms,  that  his  exchange  will  immediately  follow  the  releasement 
of  Colonel  Campbell  and  the  Hessian  field-officers.  It  is  agreed, 
that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Allen  shall  be  exchanged  for  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Campbell.     *     *     * 

The  next  meeting  of  the  Commissioners  was  held  at  Newtown  on 
6  April,  1778,  and  the  matter  was  opened  on  the  following  day. 
Here  came  in  the  instructions  of  Germanin.  At  Germantown  the 
American  Commissioners  had  raised  the  point  that  the  propositions 
submitted  by  Howe  contained  an  "essential  imperfection,"  in  that 
they  gave  no  recital  of  the  authority  by  which  the  British  comman- 
der acted,  whereas  Washington's  commission  specified  that  he  was 
acting  "in  virtue  of  full  powers  to  you  delegated."  Howe  would 
not  consent  to  an  alteration,  on  the  ground  that  "he  meant  the 
Treaty  to  be  of  a  personal  nature,  founded  on  the  mutual  confidence 
and  honor  of  the  contracting  generals ;  and  had  no  intention,  either 

suffer  the  penalties  inflicted  by  the  laws  of  such  States  upon  traitors.  Such  a 
resolution  was  an  effectual  bar  to  any  agreement  for  a  general  exchange.  The 
British  commander  was  as  much  bound  in  honor  and  justice  to  protect  these  per- 
sons, as  he  was  to  protect  the  British  officers  or  soldiers;  and  in  some  respects 
more  so,  inasmuch  as  they  had  made  greater  sacrifices  in  supporting  the  cause  of 
the  king. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  79 

of  binding  the  nation,  or  extending  the  cartel  beyond  the  limits  and 
duration  of  his  own  command."  In  reply  it  was  urged  that  "  the 
private  faith  of  an  individual  could  not  in  the  nature  of  things  be  a 
competent  or  proper  security  for  a  treaty  of  public  import,"  and  to 
set  the  public  faith  of  America  against  the  private  word  of  Howe 
would  be  an  unequal  compact.  In  the  course  of  the  discussion  the 
English  "  intimated  an  impropriety  in  treating  with  us  on  a  national 
ground,  in  a  contract  of  such  a  nature  as  the  present,  which  might 
imply  an  acknowledgment  inconsistent  with  their  claims" — a  reason 
that,  it  was  retorted,  would  apply  with  equal  force  against  the  whole 
business  of  exchange.  "The  measure,"  said  the  Americans,  "was 
calculated  for  mutual  advantage,  and  must  justify  itself  on  its  expe- 
diency and  necessity,"  and  to  remove  every  obstacle  to  a  completion 
of  the  matter  the  Americans  suggested  that  a  clause  be  admitted 
into  the  cartel  "  declaring  that  no  expressions  contained  in  it  should 
be  construed  to  affect  the  political  claims  of  either  country,  in  any- 
thing, not  directly  necessary  to  the  due  and  faithful  observance  of 
the  Treaty." 

Two  of  the  English  commissioners  returned  to  Philadelphia  and 
laid  the  objection  before  Howe,  for  him  to  solve  it  if  possible ;  but 
they  returned  without  satisfaction,  and  no  middle  ground  being 
offered  the  American  commissioners  reduced  their  point  to  writing : 

"It  appears  to  be  the  intention  of  the  respective  Generals, 
mutually  expressed  in  their  powers,  to  do  an  extensive  and  per- 
manent act,  which  shall  not  only  effect  a  settlement  of  past  differ- 
ences, and  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners,  for  the  present;  but 
shall  extend  to  the  establishment  of  a  ?-egular  and  explicit  cartel  in 
future.  The  objects  of  this  cartel  will  not  be  wholly  of  a  military 
nature,  but  will  include  matters  of  very  interesting  civil  concern.  It 
is  apprehended,  that  the  power  of  entering  into  a  Treaty  of  such  im- 
portance is  not  naturally  inherent  in  military  command,  and  that  it 
cannot  be  exercised,  by  either  of  the  Generals,  as  an  official  act, 
merely,  in  virtue  of  their  military  capacities,  but  must  be  founded  on 
special  authority,  delegated  for  the  purpose.  This  authority,  accord- 
ing to  reason  and  universal  practice,  ought  to  be  declared,  otherwise 
it  will  not  appear,  nor  have  the  least  efficiency  or  operation. 

"  That  if  the  authority  does  not  exist,  the  negotiation  can  have  no 
sufficient  foundation.     It  must  rest  solely  on  the  footing  of  personal 


80  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

confidence.  The  public  faith  cannot  be  considered  as  pledged  for 
the  performance  of  any  engagements  in  consequence  of  it,  and  these 
may  of  course  be  overruled  at  pleasure.  Could  the  credit  of  indi- 
viduals be  supposed  great  enough  in  preservation  of  personal  honor, 
to  prevent  the  interference  of  superior  authority,  their  influence 
could  not,  at  any  rate,  extend  beyond  their  own  command,  and 
should  the  casualties  of  war  remove  them,  their  successors  would 
not  be,  in  any  manner,  bound  by  their  engagements. 

"  In  fine  it  is  conceived,  there  would  be  a  manifest  impropriety,  in 
conducting  a  business  of  this  nature  on  personal  ground,  as  such  a 
measure  would  be  destitute  of  that  validity,  which  the  solemnity  of 
a  public  act  alone  can  give  ;  and  which  the  magnitude  of  the  objects 
it  is  intended  to  comprehend,  indispensably  requires.  Personal 
confidence,  or  the  mutual  confidence  of  individuals,  is  too  slender 
and  unsubstantial  a  basis  for  concerns  of  so  great  variety  and  extent, 
as  the  treaty  in  contemplation  must  necessarily  involve." 

In  reply  Howe's  commissioners  expressed  concern  that  the  objec- 
tions raised  by  the  Americans  should  prove  such  an  obstacle  to  the 
negotiation,  and  while  asserting  their  belief  that  their  powers  were 
"ample  and  sufficient,"  declared  themselves  ready  to  carry  on  the 
matters  entrusted  to  them.  This  left  the  matter  as  it  stood  on  the 
first  meeting  of  the  commissioners,  and  was  conclusive  so  far  as  the 
treaty  was  concerned,  as  the  British  refused  to  receive  the  following 
note  from  the  American  representatives    : 

That  they  [the  Americans]  were  "  inexpressibly  concerned  to  find 
that  the  Commissioners  on  the  part  of  General  Sir  William  Howe 
should  think  it  necessary  to  make  the  objections  stated  to  their 
powers,  and  supported,  as  they  apprehend,  by  the  most  conclusive 
reasons,  an  insurmountable  obstacle  to  the  progress  of  a  negotiation, 
intended  to  answer  the  most  benevolent  and  estimable  purposes. 

"  As  General  Sir  William  Howe  must  be  supposed  fully  impow- 
ered  to  enter  into  the  Treaty,  his  commission  imports,  they  can  con- 
ceive no  sufficient  reason,  for  not  declaring  his  powers,  and  would 
flatter  themselves,  that  nothing  can  be  easier  than  to  remove  the 
cause  of  their  objections,  and  to  proceed  in  the  business  on  admissi- 
ble terms.  They  are  ready  and  solicitous  to  treat  on  fair,  proper 
and  equal  ground ;  such  as  will  give  efficacy  to  their  proceedings, 
and  place  a  public  act  on  the  foundation  of  public  authority." 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB.  81 

These  papers  were  prepared  at  Newtown  on  April  nth,  and  re- 
turning to  Valley  Forge  the  American  commissioners  on  the  15  th 
made  their  report  to  Washington,  and  begged  for  his  approval  of 
their  position.  This  was  given,  and  on  the  18th  the  papers  were 
sent  to  Congress,  the  General  saying :  "  The  negotiation  between 
the  Commissioners  is  ended,  without  effecting  a  cartel.  Nor  do  I 
suppose  from  the  information  I  have  received  on  the  subject,  there 
is  any  good  prospect  that  one  will  be  formed,  or  at  least  for  a  great 
while,  on  a  liberal  and  extensive  plan.  *  *  *  The  old  agreement, 
I  presume,  continues,  and  under  it  we  must  carry  on  exchanges."* 
The  proceedings  of  the  commissioners  were  referred  to  a  committee 
composed  of  Gouverneur  Morris,  Mr.  Drayton  and  Mr.  Dana,  who 
reported  upon  them  favorably  and  Congress  accepted  the  report, 
adding  "  That  Congress  are  sincerely  desirous  of  settling  a  cartel  for 
the  exchange  of  prisoners,  on  principles  of  justice,  humanity,  and  mu- 
tual advantage,  and  agreeable  to  the  customary  rules  and  practice  of 
war  among  civilized  nations,  and  they  lament  the  obstacles  raised  by 
General  Howe  and  his  commissioners  during  the  negotiations  held 
for  this  desirable  purpose."!  All  the  documents  were  ordered  to  be 
printed. 

One  more  paper  may  be  added,  the  reply  of  Congress  to  Wash- 
ington's letter  of  the  4th,  taken  from  the  draft :  \ 

[Draft  in  MS.  of  Dner.~\ 
Sir: 

In  Obedience  to  the  Directions  of  Congress,  I  am  to  acknowledge 
the  Receipt  of  your  Letter  of  the  4*  Instant. 

Congress  with  great  Concern  perceive  that  your  sensibility  is 
wounded  by  their  Resolutions.  Placing  the  firmest  Confidence  in 
your  Prudence,  abilities,§  and  Integrity,  they  wish  to  preserve  that 
Harmony  with  you,  which  is  essential  to  the  general  weal :  you  may 
rest  assured  that  far  from  any  Intention  to  give  you  Pain,  their 
Resolutions  have  no  other  Motives,  or  End  but  the  public  Good ; 
they  therefore  hope  that  you  will  not  in  future  be  distrest  by  Appre- 
hensions, as  injurious  to  their  Honor,  as  they  are  to  their  own 
Feelings. 

*  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  18  April,  1778. 
f  Journals  of  Congress,  21  April,  1778. 

J  The  letter  as  sent  is  printed  in  Sparks'  Washington,  V,  539. 
§  Inserted  by  Thomson. 


82  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

However  different  the  views  of  Congress  may  seem  to  you  now 
from  what  you  supposed  them  to  be,  when  you  entered  into  your 
late  Engagements  with  General  Howe ;  yet  by  strictly  attending  to 
their  Resolutions  you  will  find  they  are  founded  in  Humanity,  as  well 
as  Policy,  and  invariably  regard  the  Dignity,  Safety  and  Independence 
of  these  States* 

The  Duplicity  of  General  Howe,  and  Authentic  Information  that 
the  Gentlemen  appointed  by  you  to  negotiate  the  Cartel  held 
Opinions  repugnant  to  the  Sense  of  Congress  constrain'd  them  in  a 
Matter  of  such  high  Moment  as  forming  a  General  Cartel  to  express 
their  sentiments  in  an  Explicit  Manner,  lest  they  might  have  only  to 
lament,  when  it  was  out  of  their  Power  to  remedy,  a  Misapprehen- 
sion on  Points,  deeply  affecting,  in  their  Judgment,  the  Safety,  and 
Honor,  of  these  States. 

Congress  expected  that  you  would  consider  their  Resolutions  of 
the  30*  Ul?  in  the  Light  of  private  Instructions,  calculated  to  shew 
their  sense  with  Respect  to  the  general  Outlines  of  the  propos'd 
Cartel ;  a  Practise  usual  with  the  Supreme  Power  of  every  State  in 
similar  cases. 

You  observe  that  a  strict  adherence  to  all  the  Resolutions  of  Con- 
gress must  of  necessity  destroy  all  Idea  of  a  Cartel ;  but  as  a  Dis- 
tinction can  easily  be  made  between  such  of  the  Resolutions  of 
Congress  respecting  Prisoners,  asf  flow  from  general  Principles  of 
Policy,  and  those  which  J  arise  from  Circumstances,  which  have 
render' d  a  Variation  from  Time  to  Time  necessary,  it  is  conceived 
that  an  Attention  to  this  Discrimination  will  rid§  you  of  those  Em- 
barrassments, w1?  you  may  at  first  View,  think  yourself  entangled 
with. 

The  Resolution  of  Congress  of  the  19th  December  respecting  the 
Mode  of  settlement  for  Supplies  to  the  Enemy's  Prisoners  seems  not, 
to  have  been  sufficiently  attended  to.  It  is  left  at  the  option  of  the 
Enemy  to  pay  either  in  Coin,  Dollar  for  Dollar,  or  in  Provisions,  etc. 
equal  in  Quantity  and  Kind  to  what  is  furnished.  Whatever  Objec- 
tions may  be  made  against  the  first  mode,  there  surely  cannot  be  a 
more  just,  and  equal  Ratio   than   the   latter.     General   Burgoyne 

*  On  a  slip  attached  to  the  letter  with  sealing  wax  is  written  in  Joseph  Reed's 
writing :  "  they  certainly  had  nothing  in  View  but  the  Dignity  the  Safety  &  Ind. 
Congress  certainly  had  nothing  in  View  but  a  proper  Respect  to  the  Dignity, 
Safety  and  Independence  of  these  States."  These  words  were  substituted  for 
those  in  the  draft. 

t  Word  in  Thomson's  writing. 

%  Two  words  in  a  writing  unrecognized. 

§  On  margin,  but  to  be  inserted  here,  is  written  "  remove  the  difficulties  with 
which  you  seem  to  be  embarrassed."     I  cannot  place  the  writer. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  83 

[lately  made  the  same  objections  on  this  point]*  which  occurr'd  to 
you  :  but  on  being  reminded  by  Major  General  Heath  of  the  alter- 
native offer'd  by  the  Resolution,  he  acquiesced,  and  the  victualling 
Ships  are  now  actually  delivering  Provisions  in  Payment  for  what 
they  have  received.!  The  move  suggested  by  you  is  liable  to  this 
strong  objection,  that  it  would  lay  us  under  the  necessity  of  furnish- 
ing the  Enemies'  Prisoners  with  us,  as  well  as  ours  with  them,  with 
Provisions ;  which  Certainly  would  be  a  Capital  Advantage  to  them, 
if  we  consider  the  Distance  whence  they  must  derive  their  Supplies. 
Congress  however  do  not  wish  that  a  general  Cartel  should  break  off 
for  Want  of  a  strict  Compliance  with  this  Res:  provided  a  mode  is 
adopted  for  Subsisting  Prisoners,  upon  a  Principle  of  Equality  to  the 
Contracting  Parties,  and  are  therefore  willing  to  confide  in  your  Pru- 
dence to  settle  finally  this  matter. \ 

The  Resolution  of  the  30th  of  December  was  a  Measure  naturally 
flowing  from  the  Treason  acts  which  the  respective  States  have  past 
in  Consequence  of  the  Express  Recommendation  of  Congress.  On 
a  mature  Deliberation  they  are  convinced  that  a  Deviation  from  it 
would  be  subversive  of  our  Character  as  an  Independent  People, 
and  inconsistent  with  sound  Policy.  No  [officer]  of  Congress,  or 
under  their  authority  can  suspend  the  Operation  of  the  Laws  of  the 
Different  States,  and  therefore  they  cannot  consent  that  any  Measure 
should  be  adopted  in  the  proposed  Cartel  which  may  contravene  that 
Resolution. 

It  does  not  however  appear  to  Congress  that  any  Embarrassment 
will  arise  in  this  Matter,  unless  the  Enemy  should  insist  upon  an 
Article  in  the  Cartel  that  Americans  taken  in  Arms  shall  be  entitled 

*  By  another  hand. 

f  On  a  slip  thus  marked  is  written  by  Duer :  "  The  Commissaries  of  Prisoners 
on  each  Side  may  pass  Receipts  for  the  Rations  received,  expressing  the  Quantum 
of  each  Article  received  for  the  Subsistence  of  the  Prisoners  in  the  Power  of  the 
Contracting  Parties — and  the  Ballance  may  be  paid  in  Provisions,  or  in  Coin,  at 
the  Option  of  either  Party. 

\  On  the  margin,  in  Thomson's  writing,  is  found : — 

"  On  the  question  to  strike  out 


Mass. 

Mr.  Dana 

ay 

Maryl. 

Mr.  Chase 

no 

Mr.  Gerry 

ay 

Mr.  Forbes 

no 

Mr.  Lovell 

ay 

Mr.  Henry 

no 

Rhod.  I. 

Mr.  Ellery 

ay 

Virg. 

Mr.  Lee 

no' 

Con. 

Mr.  Huntington 

no 

N.  C. 

Mr.  Burke 

ay 

N.  Y. 

Mr.  Duer 

ay* 

Mr.  Harnet 

ay 

N.J. 

Mr.  Scudder 

ay 

s.  c. 

Mr.  Laurens 

no 

P. 

Mr.  Jas  Smith 

no 

Mr.  Drayton 

no 

Mr.  J.  B.  Smith 

ay 

Georg. 

Mr.  Langworthy 

ay 

84  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

to  the  Benefit  of  an  Exchange.  Under  the  Terms  of  "  Officer  for 
Officer,  Soldier  for  Soldier,  &c?  ,"  *  Traitors  would  no  more  be  in- 
cluded by  the  Laws  of  Nations  than  Deserters.  The  carrying  this 
Resolution  into  Practice  can  depend  only  on  the  Will  of  the  Several 
States,  who  in  this  Respect  must  be  presum'd  to  be  governed  by 
Principles  of  Policy,  of  which  they  must  necessarily  be  competent 
Judges. 

Congress  are  concerned  to  find  that  an  Absolute  Exchange  is  agreed 
onforLt.  Col.  Campbell,  and  Lt.  Colo.  Allen,  and  that  Genl.  Lee  is 
only  permitted  to  come  out  on  Parole.  They  will  however  suspend 
their  Judgment  in  this  Matter,  'till  they  are  informed  whether  your 
Commissioners  were  acquainted  with  the  Resolution  of  Congress  of 
the  joth  Ulto.  previous  to  such  Agreement. 

The  Intention  of  Congress  in  that  Resolution  was,  That  no  Ex- 
change (general  or  partial,  absolute  or  Parole)  should  take  Place, 
without  the  Order  of  Congress,  'till  the  Exchange  of  Genl.  Lee  for 
Genl.  Prescot  had  been  first  made.  Since  Genl.  Howe's  Propositions 
for  a  General  Exchange  they  deem  this  Preliminary  not  only  due  in 
Justice  to  that  unfortunate  and  deserving  Officer;  but  essential  to 
the  Honor  of  these  States — /  am  therefore  directed  to  inform  you  that 
it  is  the  Unalterable  Determination  of  Congress  that  unless  this  Point 
is  acceded  to,  all  further  Negotiations,  whether  for  a  general  or  Par- 
tial Exchange  (except  in  Cases  to  be  submitted  to  the  Opinion  of 
Congress )  should  cease.  It  being  in  their  Opinion  more  eligible  that 
no  Cartel  should  take  Place,  than  that  the  Honor  of  these  States 
should  be  sullied,  and  their  Wisdom  impeached  by  releasing  those 
Officers,  whom  it  is  well  known,  the  Enemy  have  been  long  anxious 
to  procure,  and  leaving  Genl.  Lee  and  others,  whom  they  wish  to  de- 
tain, and  whose  Services  their  Country  requires,  at  the  Disposal  of  a 
Merciless  Enemy. 

Congress  cannot  but  think  that  the  Exchange  of  Genl.  Lee  should 
precede  (not follow)  the  Releasement  of  Col0.  Campbell,  and  the  Hes- 
sian Field  Officers ;  especially  that  of  the  latter,  who  were  made 
Prisoners  subsequent  to  Gen' I  Lee's  Capture;  and  it  is  their  Expec- 
tation, if  the  Exchange  of  Col0.  Campbell  is  not  so  far  concluded  as 
to  oblige  you  to  Comply  with  it,  it  may  not  take  Place  'till  General 
Lee  is  absolutely  Exchanged  for  Genl.  Prescot. 

I  am  further  directed,  Sir,  by  Congress  to  inform  you,  that  in  their 
Opinion,  the  late  Conduct,  and  Correspondence  of  Genl.  Howe  ren- 
der a  Strict  Attention  to  the  Support  of  the  Dignity  of  these  Free  and 
Independent  States  at  this  time  peculiarly  Necessary,  and  that  they 
esteem  that  Dignity  injured  by  permitting  the  Enemy's  Officers,  Pris- 
oners with  us,  to  go  in  on  Parole,  before  outs  are  sent  out,  a  Practice 
admitting  an  Imputation  of  a  Want  of  good  Faith  on  our  Part,  and 

*  "  (Wh.  are  generally  used  in  Cartels)" — Marginal  note  by  Duer. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  85 

a  Perfect  Confidence  in  an  Enemy,  whom  we  cannot  trust;  and  on 
this  Account  studiously  to  be  avoided:  they  therefore  doubt  not  from 
your  Zeal  for  the  Honor  of  these  States  that  you  will  pay  a  strict  At- 
tention to  this  Matter  in  future,  as  nothing  can  tend  to  sink  us  both 
in  our  Estimation,  and  in  that  of  all  the  World  than  a  patient  Sub- 
mission to  that  Insolent  Superiority,  which  our  Enemies  affect  in  car- 
rying on  this  War* 

Congress  have  taken  Measures  for  purchasing  such  Articles  of 
Capt1?  Cottineau's  Cargo  as  are  necessary  for  the  Army.| 

♦On  margin,  in  Thomson's  writing: 
"  To  strike  out : — 


Mass. 

Mr.  Dana 

ay 

S.  Caro. 

Mr.  Laurens, 

no 

Mr.  Gerry 

ay 

Mr.  Drayton 

ay 

Mr.  Lovell 

no 

Georga 

Mr.  Langworthy, 

no 

Rh.  I. 

Mr.  Ellery 

no 

Con. 

Mr.  Huntington, 

ay 

N.  York. 

Mr.  Duer 

no* 

N.  Jersey 

.  Mr.  Scudder, 

no 

Penn. 

Mr.  Jas.  Smith 

ay) 

ayW 

Mr.  J.  B.  Smith 

Maryld. 

Mr.  Chase 
Mr.  Forbes 
Mr.  Henry 

no 
ay 
ay 

Virg. 

Mr.  Lee 

no 

No  Caro 

Mr.  Burke 

ay 

t  With  this  letter  is  a  scrap  in  the  writing  of  Major-General  Charles  Lee,  signed 
by  him  without  date,  place  of  writing  or  address  of  person  to  whom  written,  read- 
ing as  follows : 

"As  the  misunderstanding  with  respect  to  Genl.  Lee  seems  now  to  be  cleared 
up  from  the  circumstance  of  his  being  put  on  his  Parole,  it  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  stipulate  any  particular  article  on  his  subject,  but  to  prevent  any  cavils  for  the 
future  let  it  be  said  in  a  few  words  that  he  shall  be  exchanged  for  Major  General 
Prescott.  Charles  Lee." 

There  is  also  the  original  letter,  in  the  writing  of  Charles  Thomson,  signed  by 
Henry  Laurens,  and  sent  to  Washington.     This  was  used  by  Mr.  Sparks. 

In  a  volume  of  transcripts  of  the  letters  of  Laurens,  while  President,  I  find  the 
following  memorandum  prefixed  to  this  letter :  "  The  following  is  Copy  of  a  Let- 
ter, produced  by  amendments  in  Congress  on  a  draught  prepared  by  a  Commee 
in  answer  to  Gen.  Washington's  Letter  of  the  4th  April — the  draught  presented 
the  9th,  debated  at  divers  meetings  &  resolved  the  I  April,  ^  P-  9  o'clock,  P.  M." 
This  memorandum  is  in  Laurens'  writing. 


86  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    MRS.    SIMPSON. 

Flatbush  on  Long  Island 
4  April,  1778. 

Yours  by  Colonel  Delancy,  and  the  one  by  Mrs. 
Smith  are  both  received,  for  which  you  have  my  thanks; 
they  afforded  me  a  singular  pleasure  haveing  been  de- 
barr'd  from  hearing  of  you  a  long  time  before — those 
enclosed  to  your  friends  were  delivered,  no  doubt  they 
will  answer  them  by  this  conveyance — Am  sorry  I  did 
not  see  our  Br.  Jack  before  he  went  to  the  Southward, 
in  your  next  be  kind  enough  to  let  me  know  if  he  re- 
ceived my  Letter  from  Horseneck.  In  my  present 
situation  I  cannot  say  many  things  I  wish,  must  defer 
them  'till  we  meet — which  I  hope  will  be  soon.  That 
Health  &  Happiness  may  be  your  lot,  is  the  fervent 
Wish 

of  your  Friend  and  Affecte.  Br. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM   JOHN   WINSLOW. 

New  York,  Api  13,  1778. 
D«  Sir: 

I  shall  endeavour  to  obtain  Leave  from  Genl  Robertson  for  you 
to  come  to  Town  the  first  Oppy  I  have  of  being  with  him. 

Serg*.  Ballentine  who  came  in  here  with  your  Brother  had  Leave 
to  £0  from  hence  to  Phil?  by  Land,  whether  he  ever  got  there  I  have 
never  heard,  &  should  not  some  Person  have  been  sent  out  from 
thence  in  Exchange  for  him,  I  shall  send  out  a  person  from  hence. 
I  wish  they  without  would  form  more  generous  Sentiments  of  Us,  & 
not  be  quite  so  scrupulous.  Am  sorry  your  Brother  should  fall 
under  any  Censure  in  this  Matter.  I  have  no  Opp?  of  getting  any 
English  or  Country  Newspapers,  or  Magazines,  Should  I  be  able  to 
get  any,  you  shall  have  them.     No  further  News  from  Ml  Loring, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  87 

since  I  last  saw  you,  &  I  know  of  no  person  that  is  going  to  Con- 
necticut, when  I  do,  I  shall  let  you  know.  All  your  Letters  were 
forwarded  by  Cap.  Manly  &  Mrs.  Smith.  I  am  D*  Sir  your  friend 
&  hum  Serv 

John  Winslow,  Com  Pris? 


FROM   AMOS    BULL. 

New  York,  Apl  14,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  was  yesterday  at  your  house  in  Flat  Bush,  but  had  not  the  pleas- 
ure of  finding  you  at  home  : — my  business  with  you  was  perhaps  a 
little  singular,  hope  however,  you  will  not  think  it  impertinent.  You 
have,  heretofore,  done  me  many  essential  services ;  for  which,  am 
under  great  obligations,  &  shall  never  be  happier,  than  when  in  my 
power  to  repay  them. 

I  know  the  liberal  principles  on  which  you  act,  &  the  generous 
sentiments  you  hold  :  am  therefore  encouraged  to  ask  a  favour  from 
you,  which  no  other  can  grant. — My  family  are  at  Farmington  in 
Connecticut,  &  my  beloved  Daughter  suffering  for  want  of  her  edu- 
cation, which  she  is  now  in  her  prime  for  gaining :  have  long  en- 
deavoured to  obtain  their  permission  to  come  to  this  place,  but  have 
hitherto  been  refused.  Now  if  you  can  consistently  do  it,  I  have  to 
ask,  that  you  will  be  so  very  obliging  as  to  write  to  Gov.  Trumbull, 
&  the  Council  of  War  in  your  State,  requesting  leave  for  them  to 
come,  which  am  sure  will  not  be  denied  you.  I  have  constantly,  & 
uniformly,  relieved  the  distressed  prisoners  with  us,  while  in  Rhode 
Island,  to  the  utmost  extent  of  my  abilities,  &  shall  continue  the 
same  line  of  Conduct  here  :  think  myself  therefore  intituled  to  my 
family's  enlargement. — pray  be  so  good  as  to  write  me.  I  lodge  at 
present  at  Sam1.  Franklin's,  but  if  you  send  a  letter  to  Rivington's, 
shall  readily  get  it.     Should  be  exceeding  happy  to  see  you. 

That  you  may  long  enjoy  every  felicity,  is  the  hearty  wish  of,  Sir, 
your  ob*.  Serv1. 

A.  Bull.* 

*  Amos  Bull  married  Abigail,  a  sister  of  Colonel  Webb. 


SS  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   JAMES    SEAGROVE. 

Philadelphia,  15  April,  1778. 
My  dear  Friend  : 

A  few  days  past  I  received  a  Letter  from  a  friend  in  York,  ac- 
quainting me  of  your  being  a  Prisoner  on  Parole,  on  Long  Island — 
be  assured  my  good  Friend  this  I  was  distrest  to  hear,  and  especialy 
as  I  have  been  unfortunately  absent,  when  a  person  whom  I  highly 
respect,  and  am  under  numberless  obligations  to,  perhaps  stands  in 
need  of  a  friend's  assistance  to  lighten  Captivity — but  on  considera- 
tion that  can  scarcely  be  suppos'd  the  case  with  you — for  the  Gen- 
eral good  character  which  you  have  established,  exclusive  of  your 
extensive  acquaintance  in  New  York  and  Long  Island  must  make 
your  time  pass  as  agreeable  as  situation  can  permit.  I  wonder  at 
your  not  writing  me.  I  heard  of  a  Col?  Webb's  being  taken  in  the 
Sound,  but  was  informed  he  was  of  Stamford.  Believe  me,  dear 
Sam,  I  wish  to  see  you,  for  which  purpose  I  shall  pay  a  visit  to 
N.  Y. — next  month — and  in  the  meantime  should  you  stand  in  need 
of  Cash,  please  call  on  the  bearer  Mr.  William  Constable  (Partner  of 
Jn?  Porteus  &  Co.  Hanover  Square,  New  York)  who  will  deliver  you 
what  you  require,  and  I  shall  reimburse  him  here.  You  see  I  make 
no  ceremony  with  you  and  expect  none  on  your  part.  I  have  much 
to  say  when  we  meet.  We  have  very  late  news  from  England — 
things  seem  as  if  we  should  have  Peace  in  America — nothing  but 
Independance  can  prevent — I  pray  God  our  Country  be  not  obsti- 
nate. I  shall  expect  a  Line  from  you  as  soon  as  possible  and  am, 
dear  Sam,  your  friend  &  Humble  Sl. 

Jf  Seagrove. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   CAMPBELL  TO   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Rocky  Hill,  15th  April,  1778. 
Sir: 

On  my  way  to  Morristown,  I  took  the  liberty  to  pay  my  personal 
respects  to  your  family,  with  a  view  to  receive  the  honor  of  their 
Commands  for  Colo1.  Webb  at  New  York.  Your  absence  from  home, 
the  indisposition  of  some  part  of  your  family,  together  with  the  in- 
formation of  a  Gentleman  of  your  house,  that  their  letters  had  al- 
ready gone  in,  and  further  commands  could  not  be  executed  in  the 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  89 

space  of  three  or  four  hours,  I  thought  it  best  under  the  most  press- 
ing circumstances  in  point  of  time  to  push  forward  on  the  road,  and 
deny  myself  the  pleasure  of  accepting  your  very  hospitable  invita- 
tion. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  your  wishes  with  respect  to  my  release, 
and  do  assure  you,  Sir,  did  it  lye  in  my  power  to  forward  that  of 
your  BroT  it  would  give  me  a  very  singular  pleasure  in  so  good  an 
opportunity  of  convincing  you  of  the  respect  &  esteem  with  which 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant 

Arch?  Campbell, 
Lieut.  Colo1.  71*  Reg*  . 


FROM    SAMUEL   CAMFIELD. 

[New  York]  Thursday  Noon, 
[16  April,  1778.] 
Dear  Sir: 

By  this  time  you  will  see  the  fate  of  our  Numbers  in  the  late  Lot- 
tery drawn  here,  as  I  sent  you  this  Morning  the  News-Papers,  with 
a  List  of  Prizes  by  M*  Hageman  of  Flatbush,  by  which  you'l  find 
we  came  much  better  off  in  this,  than  we  did  in  the  Former  One,  as 
three  of  our  Tickets  in  this  came  up  Prizes  to  the  Amount  of  Twenty 
Dollars — Capt?  Martin  saild  again  Yesterday.  M*  &  Mr.s  Sherbrooke 
desire  their  Compliments  to  you  and  intend  coming  up  to  Flatbush 
for  the  Summer  Season  the  latter  End  of  next  Week.  I  am,  Dear 
Sir, 

Your  very  hum  :  Serv*.  to  Comm? 

Sam^  Camfield. 


ELIAS   BOUDINOT  TO   WILLIAM   ATLEE. 

Camp,  April  18,  1778. 
Dr  Sir  : 

My  late  Absence  from  Camp  will  be  a  sufficient  Apology  for  not 
answering  your  several  Letters  lately  rec<?  .  Our  return  from  New 
Town  has  been  earlier  than  I  expected,  occasioned  by  the  difficulty 
of  reducing  old  English  Pride. — A  refusal  to  treat  with  us  as  publick 
Persons  and  to  consider  Citizens  as  exchangeable,  tho  this  came  out 


9o  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

by  the  bye,  broke  us  off.*  We  thought  it  a  Matter  of  too  great 
Magnitude  to  trust  to  private  Faith  where  the  publick  alone  ought 
to  be  pledged.  However  you  will  judge  better  of  our  Conduct  when 
you  see  our  Proceedings  which  I  suppose  will  be  printed  as  soon  as 
it  is  thought  proper  to  give  them  to  the  publick.  It  will  be  prudent 
to  wait  their  Motions  for  a  few  Day's  first,  as  I  consider  it  yet  as  a 
political  Maneuvre. 

I  am  so  chagrined  about  the  Hessian  officers  stopped  with  you 
that  I  hate  to  think  of  it.  I  cannot  fathom  the  meaning  of  our  con- 
duct. By  express  orders  they  were  stopped  in  the  first  place  at 
Hanover,  after  repeated  assurances  to  the  Enemy  that  they  were 
coming  on  and  should  be  hastened  in.  Congress  required  the  liber- 
ation of  Gen1.  Lee  and  Exchange  of  Coll.  Allen  as  preliminaries — 
These  were  complied  with.  The  General  and  myself  officially  again 
repeated  our  assurances  that  they  should  immediately  be  sent  in. 
To  prevent  any  embarrassment  to  you,  when  I  ordered  them  from 
Hanover,  I  wrote  to  the  Board  of  War  what  I  had  done — Instead  of 
stopping  them  still  at  Hanover,  they  are  suffered  to  come  to  Lan- 
caster, as  if  it  was  designed  to  put  them  to  all  the  trouble  and  vex- 
ation possible.  In  short  we  must  appear  in  the  most  ridiculous 
View  to  the  Enemy — Our  councills  continually  militating  against 
one  another — and  I  do  confess  that  the  orders  issued  in  my  depart- 

*  In  the  cabinet  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society,  I  found  a  MS.  of  Elias 
Boudinot  which  may  refer  to  this  conference  between  the  commissioners,  or  to  a 
proposition  to  be  submitted  to  them.  The  point  is  noted  that  unless  the  com- 
missioners have  received  authority  from  Congress,  as  well  as  from  the  General, 
they  cannot  make  a  treaty  or  agreement  to  exchange  citizens,  as  such  prisoners 
were  under  the  control  of  the  civil  governments.  In  case  an  agreement  should  be 
reached,  the  difficulty  of  constituting  a  fair  exchange  was  almost  insuperable. 
The  variety  of  office  and  appointment  in  civil  life  was  great,  and  the  dissimititude 
of  officers  under  each  of  the  contracting  parties,  would  alone  be  an  obstacle.  Two 
remedies  were  suggested :  I.  To  divide  such  prisoners  into  two  civil  classes,  of 
those  in  office,  and  those  in  civil  life;  and  2,  to  value  officers  at  a  certain  nominal 
value.  Simplicity  recommended  the  former  remedy;  but  it  would  be  even  more 
simple  to  agree  that  all  citizens  acting  in  their  proper  character  and  obedient  to 
the  laws  of  their  protector,  should  not  be  the  objects  of  capture.  As  to  the 
second  remedy  suggested,  it  was  not  deemed  policy  to  ransom  prisoners  by  cash 
or  by  provisions.  If  the  rate  of  ransom  was  fixed  too  high,  it  would  be  beyond 
the  power  of  Congress  to  pay;  if  too  low,  it  would  afford  the  enemy  an  easy,  the 
easiest,  method  to  recruit  their  army. 


:~f 


&Lc£~         y    y 

^/Y^// '     /ST/V    StS/Yf/S/f    /*/<&*■  W*/e    sTto/y   /<?  ^  *  t\ 

t*/b^',  ^//^V//////^/^  a /-,"**  y<r-t*> :  ^/.^///i/  y^/*/?,  # 
\  y  y  /y 


/r\l*  +,  ys7,4j,  /$    >/ ,  ,  *~^-ty,ts  /.*&  *^    <sy^im.<rJt'"*S>*" 

„y*y  yru  /*s/ a  /&*,/$>  <  sy*y  /&  jH****^:^  *y^ >?£* *+x>r* S^  c 


f-' 


i/S**-^  S^/t  4^',  Art  '*i         »-V*^r- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  91 

ment  are  so  various  and  contradictory  that  I  am  rejoyced  my  time 
is  so  near  at  an  End.  I  heartily  feel  for  our  worthy  General,  who 
ought  to  be  a  Saint  instead  of  a  mere  man.  He  is  sensibly  affected 
in  every  thing  that  touches  his  Honor,  and  this  is  too  often  wounded. 
By  the  Bearer  I  write  to  Congress  on  this  Head,  sollicking  for 
immediate  orders  for  their  liberation,  and  that  you  should  have  the 
earliest  notice  of  it.  The  old  Pass  will  do,  by  your  altering  the 
Date.     *     *     * 

E.  BOUDINOT.* 


FROM   AMOS   BULL. 

New  York,  May  2d  1 778. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  very  obliging  letter  came  duly  to  hand,  and  the  contents 
shall  be  gratefully  remembered. 

Had  all  the  Americans  acted  on  so  liberal  principles,  I  had  not 
now  been  here  :  but  scandal,  insult  and  abuse,  variously  and  inces- 
santly inflicted,  obliged  me  to  seek  relief  by  flight ;  a  small  part  of 
my  sufferings  you  may  remember  having  relieved  me  from ;  at  least 
if  you  have  forgot  it,  I  never  shall, — however,  I  will  not  trouble  you 
with  a  tedious  relation  of  what  is  past, — if  you  can  by  any  means 
effect  my  family's  enlargement,  so  that  they  may  come  to  this  place, 
you  will  not  only  add  one  to  the  innumerable  obligations  I  am 
already  under,  but  will  also  do  a  special  deed  of  charity  to  my 
daughter,  who  is  going  to  ruin,  for  want  of  her  education. 

May  you  long  live,  to  enjoy  the  smiles  of  Heaven,  and  the  bless- 
ings of  all  Mankind,  as  you  have  the  best  wishes  of,  Sir,  your  real 
friend, 

&  very  much  obliged,  hum1.  Serv* 

A.  Bull. 


FROM   JOHN  WINSLOW. 

New  York,  5  May,  1778. 
D*  Sir: 

Our  Generals  have  been  so  busy  that  I  had  not  an  opportunity  of 
speaking  to  them  for  you  &  on  further  Consideration  I  think  it  might 

*  From  the  cabinet  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 


92  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

be  as  well  to  put  it  off  till  Mr  Boudinot  goes  out,  as  it  might  be 
thought  by  the  General  that  your  Intention  of  coming  in,  was  with  a 
view  of  having  a  private  Conversation  with  Mr.  Boudinot,  which  I 
dare  say  you  woud  wish  to  avoid. 

Your  hum.  Servant 

John  Winslow 
C.  P. 
I   deliver'd   Gen'l   Robertson  your   Billet   who   referr'd    me   to 
Gen1.  Jones.* 


FROM   LEWIS   PINTARD. 

N.  York,  7  May,  1778. 
Gentn  : 

M*  Boudinot  being  Exceedingly  Hurried  has  desired  me  to  inform 
you  in  answer  to  your  letter  of  last  Evening  respecting  Col1?5  Murray 
&  Hobby  that  he  Cannot  determine  which  of  them  should  go  out  & 
thinks  the  fairest  way  is  for  them  to  draw  Lotts  for  it,  &  he  desires 
they  will  do  so  Imediately  &  advise  him  who  is  to  go.  He  expected 
to  have  got  away  this  day,  but  is  disappointed  &  hopes  to  be  able  to 
go  tomorrow.  You  will  be  timely  advised  the  Hour.  I  sent  a  form 
last  night  of  an  order  to  be  drawn  on  me  for  the  Board  of  the  offi- 
cers going  out,  to  Col?  Magaw  w?  I  hope  got  safe  to  hand  &  that 
they  are  settling  with  their  Landlords  accordingly,  it  will  be  best  to 
let  one  or  two  bring  over  all  the  Orders  for  my  Examination  &  Ac- 
ceptance, &  not  put  every  Landlord  to  the  Trouble  of  coming  over. 
I  have  rec<?  Col?  Webb's  fav^  by  his  Servant  &  had  heard  before  the 
reasons  why  he  was  not  permitted  to  come  to  Town.  I  will  pay  him 
a  Visit  as  soon  as  these  good  folks  are  gone,  being,  Sirs, 

Your  very  Hum.  Svl. 

L.  Pintard. 

I  find  the  Officers  will  not  be  permitted  to  come  to  Town  but  just 
as  they  are  to  embarque. 

*  "  I  must  confess  I  am  much  chagrined  that  you  have  not  had  the  offer  of  com- 
ing out  upon  parole  at  least — many  Gentm  of  the  Army  and  others  I  thought 
wou'd  Interest  themselves  in  your  behalf.  I  most  sincerely  wish  it  might  be 
allowed  you  to  come  out  &  stay  with  me — had  I  time,  I  wou'd  write  more  largely 
upon  the  subject.  I  have  just  heard  that  Generals  How  &  Washington  have 
broke  off  the  General  Cartel.  I  hope  its  not  true."  Joseph  Webb  to  Colonel 
Webb,  5  May  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  93 

FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PARSONS. 

May  ioth,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  enclose  you  the  Crisis  N?  5,  the  Draft  of  a  Bill  once  read 
in  one  House  of  the  British  Parliament,  which  is  cal'd  the  Concilia- 
tory Plan  of  the  British  Minister.*  The  Answer  of  Congress  refus- 
ing to  treat  on  any  other  Conditions  than  an  unconditional  Acknowl- 
edgement, on  the  Part  of  Great  Britain,  of  the  Independence  of  the 
States,  and  also  the  Terms  of  the  Treaty  with  France  I  should  have 
sent  you,  but  have  mislaid  them  :  the  Substance  you  may  find  in  the 
inclos<?  Hand  Bill ;  be  patient.  I  hope  you  will  soon  find  that  Peace 
restord  to  these  States  which  every  good  Man  wishes,  both  lasting  & 
honorable.  Your  Friends  are  well,  my  Comp?  to  your  fellow  Pris- 
oners. I  am  D*  Sr. 

Y*  Obed*  Serv' 

Sam.  H.  Parsons. 


ELIAS    BOUDINOT   TO    GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Baskenridge,  May  13th,  1778. 
Df  Sir: 

On  my  arrival  at  Morris  Town,  I  found  L*  Coll.  Campbell,  who 
proposed  my  going  with  him  to  New  York,  as  he  thought  he  could 
aid  me  greatly  in  farthering  some  immediate  relief  to  our  suffering 
Prisoners.  By  Coll  Allen  I  rec<?  Genl  Clinton's  permission  to  attend 
Coll.  Campbell  and  then  proceeded  to  New  York. — I  found  Major 
Gen1.  Daniel  Jones  in  the  Command  &  Gen1.  Valentine  Jones 
Commandant  of  the  City.  Both  these  Gentlemen  appear  deter- 
mined to  give  every  relief  to  Prisoners  that  is  in  their  Power. — They 
treated  me  with  uncommon  Civility  &  granted  me  every  Thing  I 
asked. — The  Exchange  I  took  with  me  was  compleatly  carried  into 
Execution,  with  the  addition  of  twenty-five  Officers  &  about  Twenty 
Privates  being  for  the  Servants  of  Gen1    Burgoyne,  Coll.  Campbell 

*  "  Mr.  Parsons  left  some  papers  for  me  at  Hartford  to  be  sent  to  you,  the  Drafts 
of  Bills  of  Parliament  have  not  sendt,  as  Political  observations  were  introduced  by 
Mr  Parsons  at  the  bottom  of  it,  and  realy  such  as  that  Gentleman  never  could 
expect  a  British  officer  would  cany."  Ensign  J.  Green  to  Colonel  Webb,  16  May, 
1778.       . 


94  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

&  others.  Genl  Jones  has  given  me  the  strongest  assurances  that 
our  Officers  &  Privates  shall  not  have  reason  again  to  complain  of 
unnecessary  Severity;  indeed  their  whole  System  appears  to  be 
changed,  or  at  least  in  Confusion.  I  cannot  but  mention  the  service 
I  rec<?  from  Coll.  Campbell,  who  seems  determined  to  interest  him- 
self in  mitigating  the  rigors  of  Captivity,  which  he  appears  well 
acquainted  with. — Many  of  our  officers  who  are  now  Exchanged,  are 
at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  do,  there  being  no  Provision  mad£  for 
them,  and  having  left  both  Property  &  Friends,  they  are  anxious  for 
any  employment,  in  which  they  may  hope  for  some  Satisfaction  for 
the  multitude  &  severity  of  their  sufferings. 

As  I  am  much  engaged  to  get  my  Accounts  in  proper  order,  I 
shall  remain  here,  till  that  is  done,  unless  I  receive  other  orders  from 
your  Excellency,  which  I  beg  to  be  favoured  with,  if  you  think  my 
immediate  Presence  necessary  at  Camp. — If  a  successor  to  my  de- 
partment has  been  nominated,  I  should  be  much  obliged  by  the  In- 
formation. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  Regards  and  Esteem, 
Your  Excellency's  &c. 

Elias  Boudinot, 

Com.  Genl  of  Pris. 


TO    JOHN    WINSLOW. 

Flat  Bush,  16*  May,  [1778]. 
Sir: 

Your  orderly  Sarjant  waited  on  me  the  14^  Inst, 
with  my  Parole  signed  in  Feb?  last,  together  with  an 
exact  Copy  (the  date  only  excepted)  which  he  re- 
quested me  to  sign  &  take  up  the  old  one — the  reas- 
ons for  this  were  misterious,  however  as  he  told  me  it 
was  your  particular  desire — &  I  knew  it  could  make 
no  odds  with  me,  I  did  not  hesitate  about  complying — 
but  as  it  yet  seems  somewhat  unaccountable,  I  shall  be 
obliged  if  you'll  give  me  the  reasons,  why  you  re- 
quested it, — the  letter  you  forwarded  me  from  my  Sis- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  95 

ter  was  duly  received — for  which  you  have  my  thanks. 
I  am  with  Cons.  &c. 

S.  B.  Webb. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   CAMPBELL. 

New  York,  18  May,  1778. 
Sir: 

At  the  time  you  was  pleased  to  honor  me  with  a  visit,  it  gave  me 
very  much  concern,  that  indispensible  attendance  with  the  regiment 
had  called  me  frequently  abroad;  and  the  more  so,  as  you  had 
quitted  the  City  before  I  had  it  in  my  power  to  pay  you  my  respects. 

The  application  I  made  in  your  behalf  with  General  Jones,  was 
unfortunately  too  late ;  had  I  had  a  more  early  intimation  of  your 
wish,  it  is  probable  better  success  would  have  attended  my  entreaty. 
Mr.  Boudinot  was  gone  and  that  business  so  far  closed,  that  Gen'l 
Jones  (who  seemed  extremely  desirous  of  rendering  justice  to  your 
pretensions)  waved  at  that  juncture  an  interference,  from  a  doubt 
how  far  Sir  H'y  Clinton  might  have  approved  of  all  that  had  been 
already  agreed  to.  However,  Sir,  you  may  rest  assured,  I  shall  be 
ready  to  catch  at  the  first  opening  to  forward  the  object  of  your 
wishes,  and  shall  at  all  times  be  happy  in  the  opportunity  of  con- 
vincing you  of  the  respect  and  esteem  with  which  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  Sir,  your  most  Obed't  H'ble  Serv* 

Archibald  Campbell, 

Lieu'  Col?  71st.  Reg4.  * 


REPORT   OF  A   COMMITTEE   OF   CONGRESS. 

[21  May,  1778.] 
The  Committeef  to  whom  were  referred  the  Letters  from  Gen1. 
Washington  of  the  1  i*h  May,  inclosing  a  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Genl 
Howe  of  the  io*h  May  respecting  the  Exchange  of  Prisoners — beg 
leave  to  report — that  the  Propositions  of  Genl  Sir  W™  Howe,  for  an 

*  On  the  5th  of  May  Lieutenant-Colonel  Campbell  had  been  exchanged  for 
Colonel  Ethan  Allen. 

t  The  members  of  this  committee  were,  William  Duer,  Richard  Henry  Lee  and 
Charles  Carroll.  The  report  was  laid  before  Congress  on  May  21st,  and  is 
printed  in  the  Journals  for  that  day.  I  have  used  the  MS.  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee. 


96  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Exchange  of  Prisoners,  in  his  Letter  of  the  i  o*h  May,  Appear  to  your 
Committee  so  ambiguously  Exprest,  and  so  liable  to  Misconception 
that  in  their  opinion  it  is  Expedient  that  Congress  should  on  their 
part  make  Proposals  for  an  Exchange  on  Principles  of  Equality,  and 
exprest  in  clear,  and  Explicit  Terms — From  this  Consideration  your 
Committee  submit  to  Congress  the  following  Resolutions  : — 

That  Gen1  Washington  be  desired  to  inform  Gen1.  Sir  W™  Howe, 
that  Congress,  ever  anxious  to  alleviate  the  Calamities  of  War,  are  Will- 
ing to  make  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners  on  the  following  Principles  viz  : 

That  an  Exchange  be  made  of  all  officers  in  the  Possession  of 
either  Party,  whether  on  Parole  or  otherwise  as  far  as  Rank  and 
Number  will  apply. 

That  as  Genl  Sir  W?  Howe  has  the  Power  of  Exchange  the  offi- 
cers made  Prisoners  under  the  Convention  of  Saratoga,  Congress 
cannot  think  of  agreeing  to  an  Equivalent  in  Privates  for  officers, 
but  are  willing  to  extend  this  exchange  to  the  officers  of  Gen1  Bur- 
goyne's  army. 

That  an  Exchange  as  far  as  Numbers  will  Apply  be  Made  of  all 
Soldiers  in  the  actual  Possession  of  either  Party — and  also  of  all 
who  having  been  released  on  Parole  are,  in  the  opinion  of  Gen1  Wash- 
ington, proper  objects  of  exchange.  That  the  Officers  and  Soldiers 
so  to  be  exchanged  be  Mutually  delivered  at  Such  Places  in  the 
States  of  Rhode  Island,  New  York,  and  Pensilvania,  and  at  Such 
Periods  of  Time,  as  the  Said  Genls  may  determine  on — That  Gen1 
Washington,  in  Case  the  proposed  Exchange  should  unhappily  not 
take  Place,  be  directed  to  inform  Gen1  S?  W.  Howe  that  Congress 
expect,  that  he  will,  from  a  Regard  to  their  [the]  Prisoners  in  the 
Power  of  these  States,  take  effectual  Measures,  that  the  American 
Prisoners  may  not  Surfer  any  Distresses  from  the  Approaching  hot 
Season,  which  is  in  his  Power  to  prevent,  as  the  present  Possession 
of  Long  Island  and  Rhode  Island  Afford  him  An  Opportunity  of 
Extending  humanity  towards  Prisoners,  without  a  Breach  of  Duty  to 
the  Power  under  which  he  acts.* 

*  "  I  have  transmitted  to  General  Howe  a  copy  of  the  resolution  respecting 
prisoners;  and  supposing  him  willing  to  effect  an  exchange  immediately,  I  have 
written  to  Mr.  Boudinot  and  requested  him,  as  he  is  in  possession  of  all  the  pa- 
pers concerning  them,  to  come  to  camp  without  delay,  and  superintend  the 
business  on  our  part."      Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  24  May,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACIJLEY  WEBB. 


97 


MEMORIAL   OF   AMERICAN   PRISONERS    ON   LONG   ISLAND. 

[May,  1778]. 
To  The  Honorable  the  Delegates  of  the   United    Independent 
States  of  America.     In  Congress  Assembled 

THE    MEMORIAL 

Of  the  Field  Officers  now  Prisoners  on  Parole  on  Long  Island  in 
behalf  of  themselves,  and  at  the  particular  Joint  request  of  their 
Brethren  in  the  like  situation. 

Eeg  leave  to  represent  that  they  have  undergone  a  long  and  ted- 
ious Captivity  with  (they  hope,)  the  fortitude  and  Magnanimity  be- 
coming the  Cause  in  which  they  are  engaged,  and  altho :  by  the 
fortune  of  War  thrown  into  the  hands  of  their  Common  Enemy,  yet 
with  Patient  concern  have  suffered  all  the  Calamities  attendant  upon 
such  a  Situation,  Long  hopeing  for  that  relief  which  you  in  your 
Wisdom  should  think  they  were  justly  Entitled  to. 

By  far  the  greater  number  of  them  have  been  Prisoners  Eighteen 
and  Some  Twenty  Months.  They  presume  it  will  be  needless  to 
suggest  to  you  the  Numerous  difficulties  they  have  respectively  un- 
dergone dureing  that  Period.  The  Public  supplies  (not  exceeding 
in  the  whole  jQ  7  &  a  suit  of  Cloathes)  being  too  sorry  a  Pittance  to 
Merit  Your  or  their  attention.  Not  to  mention  several  Foreigners, 
who  destitute  of  every  Connextion  in  America,  having  quitted  their 
Native  Shore  to  enter  into  our  Service,  remain  here  devoid  of  Every 
Relief  even  the  necessary  Change  of  Linnen  &  many  others  in  the 
Like  Situation.  These  malancholy  considerations,  in  addition  to 
several  more,  together  with  the  Frequent  applications  of  the  Officers 
who  seem  to  look  up  to  us  the  subscribers  for  Redress  &  Consola- 
tion have  induced  us  to  trouble  you  upon  the  present  occasion,  the 
Friends  &  Connections  of  the  officers  have  vainly  Immagined  that 
the  Remittances  to  Mr.  Pintard  your  Agent  was  sufficient  for  their 
Exigencies  but  this  Alas  !  is  too  well  known  by  Us  not  to  be  the  Case. 
We  would  therefore  Humbly  propose  that  an  order  may  be  issued  to 
the  Treasurer  to  advance  to  the  Commissary  Gen1,  of  Prisoners  for 
our  use  (a  List  of  whom  with  their  Respective  Ranks  can  be  pro- 
cured from  him)  a  certain  sum  of  money  to  be  by  him  forwarded  to 
Mr.  Pintard  who  will  see  it  properly  Distributed  and  take  their  Re- 


98  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

spective  Reeceipts.     This  or  any  other  method  that  you  shall  be 
pleased  to  adopt  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged  by  &c.* 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  May  25th,  1778. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

Yours  of  the  6*h  Inst1.  I  have  rec<?  — you  mistake  if  you  think  I 
have  not  attended  the  matter  of  your  Exchange,  but  a  line  of  rota- 
tion is  the  mode  insisted  upon. — I  can't  say  but  I  am  much  dis- 
apointed  that  you  have  not  been  allow'd  to  come  home  on  parole. 

Not  long  since  I  was  at  Boston,  Cambridge  &  that  Circuit,  and 
Waited  on  General  Philips,  who  was  polite  enough  to  consent  on  his 
part  that  Col?  Sutherland  shou'd  be  Exchanged  for  you,  and  has 
wrote  to  General  Clinton  on  the  Subject,  copy  of  which  I  now  en- 
close you. — I  have  wrote  General  Robertson  which  you  may  peruse 
&  have  deliv?  — I  sincerely  wish  M*  Boudinot  may  consent  to  the 
Exchange  of  Col?  Sutherland  as  He's  a  Convention  Officer  &  can 
not  be  taken  amiss  by  the  American  Officers,  altho  :  they  may  have 
been  a  Prisoner  longer  than  yourself.f  I  wish  to  hear  from  you  by 
the  Return  of  the  Bearer.  I  have  also  sent  you  a  few  News  Papers 
which  after  you  have  perused  I  wish  to  give  Mr.  Gain  or  M^  Joseph 

*  "  A  memorial  from  the  field  officers  now  prisoners  on  parole  on  Long  Island, 
in  behalf  of  themselves  and  at  the  particular  joint  request  of  their  brethren  in 
like  situation,  was  read : 

"  Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  a  committee  of  three;  The  members  chosen 
Mr.  R.  H.  Lee,  Mr.  S.  Adams  and  Mr.  Duer."  Journals  of  Congress,  26  May, 
1778. 

t "  I  observe  what  you  say  with  regard  to  Col.  Webb,  but  am  surprised  at  your 
not  reflecting  on  what  I  have  repeatedly  wrote  '  That  the  Gen\  will  not  suffer  any 
Person  to  be  exchanged  but  in  the  order  of  their  capture.'  There  are  several 
Colls  older  than  Col.  Webb  &  altho  the  General  as  well  as  myself  would  be  much 
pleased  in  serving  Coll.  Webb,  yet  i!:  never  will  be  consented  to,  that  he  should 
be  preferred  to  an  older  Prisoner  of  the  same  Rank — I  shall  be  extremely  sorry  if 
Coll.  Sutherland  is  gone  in  upon  this  Principle,  as  I  know  it  will  give  the  highest 
offence  &  raise  the  greatest  Clamour. — The  Gen\  has  been  applied  to  by  Coll. 
Webb  on  the  same  Subject,  the  bare  proposing  of  which  greatly  disgusted  him. — 
I  wish  you  would  mention  this  gen\  Rule  to  Genl  Heath,  as  it  may  save  him 
much  Trouble  in  avoiding  partial  applications."  Elias  Boudinot  to  Joshua  Mer~ 
sereau,  10  June,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  99 

Chew.  Mr.  Gain  was  to  have  sent  me  his'n  in  return — You  say  you 
hear  Silas  Deane  has  return'd  from  France,  its  a  mistake.  He's  yet 
there  and  I  am  told  like  to  be  for  a  Time — but  Simeon  has  arrived 
&  is  gone  to  South  Carolina. 

General  Putnam  is  at  Hartford,  &  has  sent  me  word  of  the  Flag, 
but  I  cou'd  wish  I  had  more  time  to  write.  You  must  remember 
me  to  our  friend  M^  Sherbrooke,  McEvers,  their  Ladies — Delancy 
and  the  Circle  that  enquire  after  our  family.  Your  little  Nieces 
Sally  &  Harriet  are  well.  M*s  Simpson  is  not  yet  confin'd. — I  cou'd 
not  at  the  Time  Salmon  was  Caught,  find  an  Opportunity  to  send 
you  any. — I  shou'd  like  you  wou'd  bring  out  the  London  Magazines 
bound  or  otherways. 

I  am  your  most  Affect.  B* 

Jos :  Webb. 

I  have  been  to  Hartford  visiting  the  Prison,  &  find  as  \torn\ 
Mason  a  Midshipman,  &  two  other  Officers  closely  confined.  I  am 
told  its  in  consequence  of  complaints  from  New  Port,  Hallifax  &c, 
of  the  treatment  of  the  American  Prisoners, — and  Connecticut  did 
not  go  into  the  sevear  Law  of  Retalliation  untill  Complain'd  of  very 
much — the  Deputy  Commissary  Williams  has  promised  that  he  will 
do  everything  in  his  power  to  forward  their  Exchange — I  enclose 
you  some  Letters  lately  sent  me  by  them  which  I  promised  to  for- 
ward &  am  happy  to  find  an  OppY  so  soon. — I  have  just  parted  with 
Col?  Meigs  on  his  way  to  Hartford  who  promises  to  call  on  me  on 
his  Return,  &  shew  me  some  Letters,  Papers  &c. 


FROM   COLONEL   WILLIAM   AXTELL. 

Flatbush,  29  May,  1778. 
Sir: 

The  Field  Officers  Prisoners  Quartered  in  the  Different  Townships 
in  this  County  may  whenever  it  be  most  Agreeable  to  themselves 
Visit  any  of  the  Respective  Townships  where  the  Prisoners  are 
Quartered  when  and  as  often  as  they  Please — Allways  Returning  to 
their  Quarters  in  the  Evenning 

I  Shall  Esteem  it  a  Particular  favor  to  Communicate  to  them  this 
Regulation  which  I  this  day  obtain  from  the  General  together  with 


ioo        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Permission  for  Col1.  Antle  [Antill]  and  L*.  Coll  Brune  [Bruyne]  to 
Remain  in  the  Quarters  where  they  now  are 

I  am,  Sir,  Your  most  Obed*  &  Very  Hum1.  Serv4. 

W™  AXTELL. 


TO    COLONEL    AXTELL. 

Flat  Bush,  30  May,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  had  the  Honor  of  your  favor  last  Evening,  its 
Contents  respecting  the  priviledges  given  the  Field 
Officers  Prisoners,  shall  be  attended  to.  The  several 
Acts  of  the  British  Parliament  from  his  Excellency 
Gov1".  Tryon,  I  would  take  pains  to  communicate  to  the 
Gentlemen  Prisoners  on  the  Island,  but  that  they  are 
already  made  Public  in  the  News  Papers. — I  will  for- 
ward those  under  cover  to  U.  Col°  Hobby,  likewise 
notify  U.  Col°  Antill  and  D.  Col°  Brown  of  their  per- 
mission to  continue  at  their  old  Quarters.  I  am,  Sir, 
Your  most  Obed1.  Hum.  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


COLONEL  ANTILL  TO    GOVERNOR  TYRON. 

June  2d  ,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  rec'd  a  day  or  two  ago,  the  late  Acts  of  the  B.  Parliament  ac- 
companied w*1  a  printed  copy  of  Ld  Germain's  Lett*  to  you  with  a 
Postscript.  All  these  I  had  before  seen  conveyed  to  the  Public  in 
general  thro  :  the  common  Vehicle  of  Intelligence,  the  News  Papers. 
Decency  should  have  induced  General  Tyron  to  have  deemed  that 
Channel  sufficient  for  me,  without  offering  an  insult  to  my  Honor, 
and  my  understanding,  by  sending  them  to  my  address  when  here  a 
Prisoner  on  Parole.  'Tis  an  Insult  to  my  Honor  as  holding  a  Com- 
mission in  the  United  Independent  States,  to  my  Understanding  as 
to  suppose  my  Sentiments  to  be  affected  by  this  fresh  Instance  of 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  101 

British  distracted  Policy.  In  order  to  prevent  further  trouble  to  you 
or  any  further  enclosures  of  His  I£  ship, — rest  assured  that  my 
profession  indicates  my  Affection  to  Britain,  and  my  Conduct  shall 
always  mark  the  Real  &  unalterable  friend  to  America. 

I  am  with  personal  Respect  &c 

Ed?  Antill.* 


JOSEPH   BARRELL  TO   THE  TOWN   COMMITTEE. 

Boston,  4th  June,  1778. 
Gentlemen  : 

I  am  much  Obliged  by  the  Honor  done  me  by  the  Town  yester- 
day in  Chuseing  me  one  of  their  Representatives ;  but  exceedingly 
sorry  for  the  Choice,  as  I  find  myself  utterly  averse  to  the  employ. 
How  this  matter  came  about  I  cannot  conceive  as  I've  made  it  my 
invaried  rule  to  inform  every  person  who  mention'd  it,  that  I  could 
on  no  consideration  think  of  serving.  My  only  Aim,  and  highest 
wish,  is  to  support  the  Character  of  an  Independent  Honest  Man, 
and  to  enjoy  the  satisfaction  consequent  thereon.  As  to  Public  life 
I  never  desire  to  be  known  in  it,  and  am  convinced  I  can  be  of  no 
service  to  this  town  by  being  in  the  General  Court.  Was  it  not  that 
all  Private  considerations  ought  to  give  way  to  Public  good,  I  should 
mention  that  my  business  would  greatly  suffer ;  but  My  Aversion  & 
Inability  are  fully  sufficient  with  me  to  beg  as  a  favor  the  Town 
would  excuse  me  from  Accepting  this  Trust. 

I  am  sir  with  all  due  Respect  Y*  Most  Obed*  Serv1. 

Jo  Barrell. 


FROM    LEWIS   PINTARD. 

New  York,  6  June,  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

On  my  return  Home  Saturday  last  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Boudinot,  desiring  me  to  meet  him  in  the  Jerseys. 

I  set  out  Monday  in  the  storm,  and  on  my  way  to  his  house,  at  a 
little  village  called  Chatham,  about  ten  miles  from  Morristown,  I  had 
the  pleasure  to  see  and  dine  with  your  younger  brother,  Captain  of 

*  From  a  copy  in  Colonel  Webb's  writing. 


io2        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


the  Light  Horse,  who  was  very  well,  and  in  high  spirits ;  glad  to 
hear  so  straight  from  you.  He  set  out  Thursday  last  with  his  troop 
of  horse  and  many  others  to  join  General  Gates  at  Fishkills. 

I  returned  this  day,  &  have  brought  sundry  letters  for  the  officers, 
all  of  which  I  enclose  to  you,  requesting  the  favor  of  your  delivery 
of  them.  I  enclose  you  also  some  newspapers,  which  I  would  rather 
you  should  not  mention  to  certain  people  who  are  apt  to  take  um- 
brage at  everything  and  make  mountains  out  of  mole-hills.  Your 
brother  did  not  write,  because  I  could  tell  you  he  was  well,  and 
it  would  have  been  improper  for  him  to  write  more. 

I  can  give  you  no  further  news  about  the  exchange.  Mr.  Boudi- 
not  informed  me  he  knew  nothing  of  the  particulars,  having  only 
received  a  few  lines  by  express  from  General  Washington,  acquaint- 
ing him  that  General  Howe  having  proposed  a  general  exchange,  to 
which  the  Congress  had  acceded,  his  presence  became  necessary  at 
camp  immediately.  I  parted  with  him  at  Princeton  on  Thursday 
morning,  when  he  set  out  for  the  camp  and  I  for  home. 

Major  John  Beatty,  late  your  fellow  prisoner,  is  appointed  by 
Congress  to  succeed  Mr.  Boudinot  as  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  and 
he  accompanied  him  from  Princeton  to  camp. 

I  came  in  a  flag  boat  with  a  load  of  flour,  which  will  unload  Mon- 
day, and  prevent  me  the  pleasure  of  paying  you  a  visit ;  but  you 
may  expect  to  see  me  as  soon  as  I  can  possibly  spare  half  a  day, 
being,  Yours  sincerely, 

L.  Pintard.* 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL   PARSONS. 

Horseneck  7th  June  1778. 
Dr    Colo  : 

I  am  occasionally  at  this  Place  and  find  M'  Drummond  going  to 
New  York,  who  is  kind  enough  to  engage  to  deliver  you  this  Line — 
As  I  shall  return  again  in  the  Morning  to  West  Point,  I  have  not 
Time  to  give  you  much  Information,  nor  would  it  be  proper  as  this 
will  probably  pass  such  Hands  as  are  not  intitled  to  Information 
from  me.     Your  Friends  are  anxious  to  see  you  again  in  a  Land  of 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  265. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  103 


Liberty  and  your  Regiment  would  be  happy  in  your  Restoration, 
Livingston  &  Huntington  are  with  us  at  last  &  every  Thing  about 
Us  wears  a  pleasing  Appearance ;  our  old  Friend  Gen'l  Gates  has 
taken  the  Command  of  the  Department  &  at  present  has  much  the 
Love  &  Confidence  of  the  Troops  under  his  Command;  Wyllys, 
Meigs  &  Sherburn,  Greaton,  Putnam,  Nixon,  Hazen,  J.  Livingston 
&  your  other  Friends  were  very  well  last  Fryday ;  Malcom  is  with  us 
and  renders  himself  very  agreeable  to  the  Department  in  which  he 
serves — The  acts  of  Parliament  repealing  some  obnoxious  Acts  laid 
upon  the  Americans  by  the  Britons  you  have  seen  ;  their  Reception 
in  the  Country  at  this  Time  is  such  as  you  would  expect  after  the 
Loss  of  so  much  Blood  &  Expence  of  so  much  Treasure ;  Should  the 
Commissioners  ever  arrive  and  bring  with  them  Powers  to  recog- 
nize the  unconditional  Independence  of  these  States  perhaps  there 
might  be  a  reconciliation ;  we  think  burning  Bristol  and  some  other 
small  fiery  Excurtions  of  late  are  not  the  clearest  Evidence  of  the 
Wishes  of  the  Administration  for  Peace — I  have  heard  you  intend 
coming  out  on  Parole  if  you  can  obtain  the  Commanding  Officers 
Consent ;  if  a  Cartel  is  settled  I  think  you  are  more  likely  to  be  ex- 
changed if  you  continue  on  the  Island  ;  we  should  be  happy  to  see 
you  but  more  happy  to  find  you  in  a  State  to  join  your  Regiment 
— Your  Friend  M*  Hosmer  &  his  Family  are  well  they  often  express 
their  Concern  for  you  &  your  Fellow  Prisoners.  You  will  be  sur- 
prised to  hear  he  proposes  to  take  a  long  Journey  in  about  Two  or 
three  Weeks,  and  has  so  far  recovered  from  his  Splenetic  Habit  as 
to  believe  he  is  able  to  endure  the  Fatigues  of  Heat  &  Cold,  and 
that  no  Climate  will  affect  his  Constitution,  tho  he  has  so  often  tried 
and  failed  in  his  Expectation. 

I  have  no  Newspapers  with  me  ;  the  Opportunity  of  writing  was 
unexpected,  my  Compliments  to  your  Fellow  Prisoners. 

I  am  my  dear  Sir 

Your  Friend 

S.  H.  P[arsons]  * 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


io4        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


FROM   JOHN   WINSLOW. 

New  York,  13  June,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  shall  mention  to  the  General  what  you  say  respecting  L*  Boyd, 
&  take  his  directions  concerning  him.* 

No  Letters  from  without  very  lately.  Should  any  come  in  for  you 
I  shall  forward  them. 

I  must  confess  to  you  I  don't  think  it  probable  that  at  this  partic- 
ular Conjuncture  you  will  obtain  Leave  to  go  home  on  parole,  but 
should  rather  advise  you  to  be  patient  a  little  while.  Believe  me 
your  friend  and  most  hum.  servant 

John  Winslow, 
C.  P. 


FROM  JAMES    SEAGROVE. 

Phila,  17th  June,  1778. 
Dear  Sam  : 

I  wrote  you  some  weeks  since  and  was  in  hope  of  having  had  a 
Line  from  you,  acquainting  me  with  your  Situation.  I  then  had 
some  expectation  of  seeing  you  on  Long  Island,  but  have  since  de- 
clined all  thoughts  on  that  head,  and  have  determined  remaining 
here  and  throwing  myself  on  the  mercy  of  our  much  injured  Coun- 
try— who  I  doubt  not  will  be  more  favourable  than  is  generaly  ex- 
pected. They  never  have  been  deficient  in  sound  policy — their 
lenity  to  returning  prodigals  will  be  no  small  proof.  For  my  own 
part  I  have  the  consolation  of  thinking  no  man  can  accuse  me  of 
having  ever  acted  against  the  interest  of  America.  All  I  can  charge 
myself  with  has  been  my  giving  up  my  opinion  to  a  set  of  deluded 
Men  who  have  been  but  to[o]  much  favourers  of  an  infamous  oppo- 
sition to  the  Liberty  of  this  Country — it's  now  too  late  to  reflect.  I 
can  only  hope  that  my  future  exertions  may  in  some  manner  recom- 
mend me  to  the  favour  of  a  country  which  you  know  I  have  ever 
respected.     I  hope  soon  to  meet  you  a  free  man,  and  will  be  happy 

*  "  At  your  solicitation  Lt  Andrew  Boyd  will  be  sent  out  in  Exchange  for  an 
Officer  of  the  71st  Regt  who  is  come  in,  &  I  beg  to  trouble  you  with  a  Pass  for 
im  to  come  into  this  City  Tomorrow,  which  please  to  forward  to  him."      Winslow 
to  Colonel  Webb,  2  July,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  105 

to  accompany  you  in  any  efforts  for  the  General  Good. — The  British 
Army  abandon  this  City  this  very  night,  I  think  without  opposition, 
in  order  to  save  the  Town.  The  rout  of  the  army  is  through  Jersey 
to  Amboy.  What  will  be  their  plan  afterwards  cannot  say.  I  ex- 
pect there  will  be  warm  work  in  Jersey  as  they  pass.  I  am  sorry  to 
find  the  exch[angin]g  of  Prisoners  again  at  a  stand.  I  know  not 
what  is  the  cause. 

I  dare  venture  to  say  I  shall  be  exceedingly  condemned  by  our 
Tory  friends  with  you.  I  care  not,  I  have  already  done  too  much  to 
please  them.  I  am  now  determined  to  act  for  myself.  May  happi- 
ness attend  you.  I  hope  we  shall  soon  meet.  I  cannot  add,  as  the 
last  ship  is  now  leaving  the  Town.     God  bless  you. 

Yours  &c. 

J.  Seagrove.* 

The  American  Army  within  a  very  short  way  of  our  Lines. — Gen'l 
Arnold  to  com'd  the  Troops  which  enters  the  City. 


FROM   LEWIS   PINTARD. 

N.  York,  19  June,  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  this  minute  received  a  letter  from  Major  Beatty,  who  has 
been  in  town  by  the  bye  near  two  days,  dated  12th  inst.,  in 
which  he  says :  Mr.  Boudinot  with  my  self  have  at  length  settled 
every  difficulty  with  regard  to  an  exchange.  Mr.  Loring  who  will 
probably  arrive  before  this  reaches  you,  will  inform  you  of  the  par- 
ticulars. You  will  be  kind  enough  to  inform  the  gent1}  on  Long 
Island  of  this  agreement,  who  I  flatter  my  self  will  all  be  at  liberty 
in  a  few  weeks.  The  flag  is  detained  for  my  answer  to  the  Major's 
letter,  and  therefore  I  can  only  add  that  I  am. 

Your  Very  Humble  Serv* 

L.  PlNTARD. 

Please  to  inform  Mr.  Clarkson  that  his  chair  is  safe  in  my  stable.f 

*  James  Seagrove  was  a  merchant  of  Philadelphia.  In  November,  1778,  a  let- 
ter from  Abraham  Chilborn,  of  Haverford  West,  directed  to  Seagrove,  was  inter- 
cepted and  laid  before  the  Continental  Congress.  That  body  transmitted  it  to  the 
Executive  Council  of  Pennsylvania,  but  I  am  unable  to  discover  any  action  taken 
upon  it. 

f  From  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  266. 


106        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   COLONEL  WILLIAM   AXTELL. 

Flatbush,  June  19th,  1778. 
Sir: 

His  Excellency  Major  General  Try  on  Desir'd  me  to  acquaint  you 
that  he  Leaves  you  at  Liberty  to  Visit  any  of  the  District  where  the 
Prisoners  are  Cantoon'd  Viz  New  Lotts,  Flat  Lands,  Gravesend,  and 
New  Utrecht,  And  at  the  same  time  was  PJeas'd  to  signify  to  me  by 
Letter  that  you  have  his  Commission  to  go  a  Shooting  with  any  one 
Companion  You  Please  Which  His  Excellency  is  Pleased  to  Leave 
to  Your  own  Discretion. 

I  am,  Sir,  Your  Most  Obed*    &  Very  Hu™  Serv* 

W.  Axtell.* 


FROM   ENSIGN   GALLOWAY. 

Brooklyn  Ferry,  20th  June,  1778. 
Mr  Galloway  presents  his  respectful  compt?  to  M*  Webb.  Ml 
Galloway  as  officer  of  the  day  upon  the  ferry,  has  taken  the  liberty 
of  opening  a  letter  of  M1.  Webb's,  which  he  hopes  M*  Webb  will  ex- 
cuse. M*  Galloway  would  not  have  taken  that  liberty,  but  he 
detected  two  officers  belonging  to  the  Congress  (who  were  prisoners 
at  Flatbush  and  upon  their  Parole  of  honour)  who  were  endeavour- 
ing to  go  to  New  York  without  a  Pass,  either  from  General  Tryon  or 
any  of  the  commanding  officers  upon  Long  Island. — As  there  has 
been  so  much  disturbance  lately  at  Flatbush,  M*  Galloway  hopes 
M'  Webb  will  overlook  it. 


M*  Galloway's  compt!  to  Colonel  Webb — is  exceedingly  sorry 
any  misunderstanding  should  have  happened  between  them  in  con- 
sequence of  his  having  done  his  duty,  does  not  recollect  to  have 
made  use  of  the  words  Colonel  Webb  mentions,  if  he  did  Colonel 
Webb  will  impute  it  to  the  hurry  of  business  on  so  disagreeable  a 
post  and  a  warmth  of  temper  and  not  to  any  intentional  insult — 
which  he  assures  him  was  the  case. 

Tuesday  morning,  10  o'clock. 

*  "  Mr  AxtelPs  compliments  attend  Colonel  Webb,  and  if  agreeable  will  wait 
on  him  to-morrow  morning  to  pay  their  Respects  and  Dine  with  General  Tryon 
at  the  Camp  near  Flushing."     To  Colonel  Webb,  25  June,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  107 

FROM   E.  TUDOR. 

New  York,  20  June,  1778. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

I  received  your  favor  of  this  day,  and  was  very  sorry  that  I  could 
not  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on  you  with  Mr.  Shaler,  by  reason 
of  attending  the  General.  Since  I  saw  you,  have  waited  on  General 
Prescott  and  Colonel  Campbell  and  mentioned  your  affair.  You 
may  depend  on  it,  they  are  inclined  to  serve  you.  Colonel  Camp- 
bell acquaints  me  that  he  has  received  no  answer  from  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  as  yet,  but  every  day  expects  one,  and  nothing  can  be  done 
till  then.  Nothing  could  afford  me  greater  pleasure  than  your  com- 
pany in  the  Flag,  which  will  most  probably  sail  on  Monday  or  Tues- 
day next,  and  will  endeavor,  if  possible,  to  see  you  before  we  sail. 
Am  very  busy  now  in  packing  up  Governor  Franklin's  things.  I 
am,  Dear  Colonel,  Yours  &c.  E.  Tudor. 

P.  S.  Have  sent  you  the  machine,  and  hope  it  will  fit.  If  it 
should  not  suit,  return  it  and  have  it  altered.* 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  June  21st,  1778. 
My  Dear  Brother: 

This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Cornet  Graefef  a  young  Gent?1 
that  was  taken  Prisoner  at  Bennington,  since  which  has  been  much 
of  his  Time  in  the  Jerseys  on  Parole  and  now  takes  his  departure 
from  Chatham  &  this  Town  and  appears  to  be  much  the  Gent™. — 
By  him  I  send  you  a  Horse  for  yourself,  and  another  for  Richard — 
your  several  Letters  have  duly  come  to  hand,  I  have  as  regularly 
answer'd  them,  but  find  mine  for  some  reasons,  what  I  can't  say, 
have  scarcely  ever  arrived  to  you, — the  Horses  I  hope  will  please 
you,  the  one  sent  for  yourself  is  rather  low  in  flesh  on  Ace4,  of  a 
Number  of  races  he  has  lately  run  but  is  %  Blood  &  is  an  Excellent 
Horse. — I  wish  you  may  soon  return  to  us.  I  confess  I  have  been 
much  disappointed  at  your  long  stay  from  your  Anxious  Friends,  but 
I  really  did  expect  from  Connections,  General  Prescott,  French,  &c, 

*  From  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  299. 

f  "Augustus  Lewis  Graefe,  Cornet  of  Prince  Lewis's  Dragoons  in  the  service  of 
his  Britanic  Majesty."     Note  by  Colonel  Webb. 


108        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

that  they  would  have  sent  you  (at  least)  out  on  parole. — General 
Prescott,  Col?  Campbell,  Col?  French  &  the  rest  of  the  Gent™  that 
have  Interested  themselves  in  your  behalf  have  our  family's  sincere 
thanks — When  I  was  at  Cambridge  I  was  several  Times  in  Company 
with  General  Philips,  who  was  polite  enough  to  consent  on  his  part 
that  Col?  Sutherland  shou'd  be  Exchanged  for  you,  and  gave  me  a 
Copy  of  a  Letter  which  he  wrote  His  Excellency  Gen1.  Sir  H.  Clin- 
ton on  the  Subject — which  Copy  I  forwarded  to  you,  and  as  I  said 
before  am  much  surprised  that  you  are  not  with  me  either  by  Ex- 
change, or  parole ;  however  I  will  not  find  too  much  fault  until  I 
know  more  of  the  matter — its  of  consequence,  much  so,  that  you  get 
out — but  if  you  have  to  wait  until  your  proper  turn  of  rotation,  God 
knows  when  you'll  come  on  Ace*  of  being  full  Col?  .  I  can't  think 
it  but  bad  Policy  on  both  sides  that  a  General  Exchange  is  put  off. 

Make  yourself  however  happy  &  contented — I  well  know  a  Pris- 
oner's life  is  not  very  agreeable  at  first ;  though  you  are  treated  with 
the  greatest  marks  of  politeness  we  often  hear — Yet  a  Prisoner. 
I  promise  myself  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  of  you  soon  either  by  Ex- 
change or  on  parole,  I  think  the  most  likely  is  the  former.  Mrs. 
W[ebb]  &  her  two  little  Daughters  are  well.  Mrs.  Simp  [son],  her 
son  &  her  little  Daughter  Peggy  are  well,  &  I  believe  both  H[etty], 

Mrs.  W[ebb],  Mrs.  S[impson]  will  write  you  p*  the  Cap*  G & 

Cornet  Graefe. 

I  send  you  a  Bill  of  Exchange  of  One  Hundred  &  fifty  Pounds 
Sterling  in  my  favor  on  Maj.  Joseph  Goldthwait,  New  York,  payable 
two  days  after  sight,  which  I  know  he  will  most  strictly  Honor  for  his 
own  Sake  &  his  Hon4  aged  Father.  I  also  send  you  pT.  this  opporty 
some  Notes  on  the  British  officers  which  ought  long  ago  to  have 
been  paid.  Should  you  not  be  able  so  settle  'em  Desire  Mr.  Lorrain 
[Loring]  as  Commissary  of  Prisoners  to  take  'em  and  pay  them  to 
you  or  to  give  a  Rec*  as  he  thinks  most  proper,  tho  :  I  must  confess 
I  think  extremely  odd  they  have  not  paid  it  according  to  promise  in 
Guineas — is  this  the  treatment  I  have  to  expect  for  advancing 
strange  officers  in  a  Country ;  Prisoners  &  distressed  for  money. — 
Capt.  Luke  of  the  55th  Reg*  had  monies  of  me  at  the  same  time 
with  these  Gent?  &  paid  it  with  Honor  in  Guineas  to  my  order — I 
hope  the  following  Gent™  will  do  the  same — Mr.  Chew  will  doubtless 
aid  &  assist  you.     I  have  mentioned  the  matter  to  him. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  109 

Sterling 
Bernard  Denniss,  Ensign  40th  Regt  Note  dated  17th  March  1777  £  5.  8.0 
James  Carmichael  Qr  Mastr    40  Regt  do  11.    0.0 

Wm  Carter  40th  Regt  do  9.    o.  o 

Wm  C.  Hall  28  do  5.  12.  6 

Donald  MacDonald  55th  do  6#    3.  0 


37-    3-6 


You'll  observe  the  last  has  given  his  Pay  Master  Orders  to  pay  his. 
I  much  want  them  settled — I  also  send  you  Lieut.  [Benjamin] 
Griffith's  Bill  on  the  Pay  Mastf  for  £  13.  1.  o  Sterling — likewise 
the  first  of  two  Setts  on  Sam!  Jones,  Esq1:  ,  drew  by  Peter  Herring 
for  £  50.  o.  o  Sterling. 

I  have  sent  you  a  Number  of  News  Papers  which  after  you  have 
perused  I  wish  may  be  sent  to  Hugh  Gain.  He  promised,  so  did 
Rivington,  to  send  me  their  papers  out  constantly. — I  wish  you 
would  remember  to  get  me  Gain's,  Roberts,  Mill  &  Hicks,  &  Riv- 
ington's  from  the  if*  of  January,  1778  to  the  time  of  Your  coming 
out — likewise  their  Registers  &  List  of  the  British  Army  for  1778. 

[No  Signature.] 

June  21st  1778. 
You  see  to  what  a  length  Business  with  other  matters  have  run 
me  to — before  I  go  any  further  let  me  advise  you  to  go  and  see 
Prince's  Gardens  at  Flushing,  its  well  worth  your  seeing — Can  you 
tell  me  in  your  next  Smith's  situation  that  married  Miss  Abby 
Farnsworth — she  is  now  in  this  Town  and  wishes  to  know  if  her 
Husband  wishes  her  there.  She  can  obtain  His  Excellency  Gov? 
Trumbull's  leave  at  any  time  to  go,  as  many  another  Lady  almost  he 
says. — I  have  this  moment  lent  M*  Graefe,  a  Cornet  of  Horse  that 
was  taken  a  Prisoner  at  Bennington  (since  his  being  a  Prisoner  He's 
behaved  much  the  Gentl™)  Twelve  British  New  Heavy  Guineas, 
which  he  promises  as  p*  Copy  of  a  Rec*  I  now  send  you  to  pay 
you  on  his  arrival  in  New  York  or  a  few  Days  after ;  or  in  case  you 
have  come  from  York  to  be  paid  John  Atkinson,  Merchant  in  York. 
I  have  sent  you  no  Sadie  or  Bridle  as  the  Gent1?1  that  take  your 
Horse  had  'em  of  their  own. — I  much  want  a  good,  fashionable 
genteel  Plated  Curb  Bridle — a  p?  plated  Sturrups-a  genteel 
Pocket  Book  for  myself  &  one  for  my  Lady — a  set  of  London  Mag- 


no        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

azines — some  White— some  scarlet  Twist — a  genteel  pT.  stone  shoe 
Buckels  for  Mrs.  W. 

Purchase  for  Gov1:  Franklin  to  be  sent  out  by  some  flag  that  may 
be  coming  with  some  Cloathing,  2  Hampers  Porter,  1  Ream  Good 
Paper,  some  News  Papers  &c.     *     *     * 

Capt.  Jack  W[ebb]  is  well  at  White  Plains — Jesse  [Deane]  has 
safe  arrived  to  his  Father  in  Paris.     *     *     * 

I  have  sent  you  some  News  Papers  from  here,  there  &  everywhere, 
some  old  &  some  new.  I  wish  you  to  tell  the  British  officers  that 
you  may  see  that  their  Prisoners  are  realy  in  the  greatest  want  of 
their  Clothing,  more  particular  the  Article  of  Linnen.  Was  I  to  ad- 
vise I  shou'd  recommend  Two  shirts  2  p!;  Hose  2  pT  overhalls  to 
each   man,   a   good   Blanket   for   the   Evening  &   Morning. — Col. 

Sheriff  is  the  Gent™  to  apply  to. 

Adieu  my  Dear  Br. 


FROM   MRS.  JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  June  22  <3,  1778. 
******* 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  hear  of  the  Polite,  Genteel  Treatment 
you  have  met  with,  and  doubt  not  but  that  you  make  yourself  as 
cheerfull  and  as  happy  as  its  possible  in  a  situation  so  truly  undesir- 
able. 

Colonel  Chester  &  Lady,  M*  Webb  and  your  Sister  have  lately  had 
a  most  agreeable  Tour  to  Norwich,  Colchester,  &c,  &c.  Saw  many 
of  your  good  friends  who  asked  particularly  after  you,  and  wish  much 
to  see  you.  Col?  Chester,  Mr.  &  MT.S  and  Miss  Chester  present  com- 
pliments. I  know  you  would  ask  many  questions  about  little  Sally 
and  will  therefore  tell  you,  and  in  the  first  place,  that  she  has  not 
forgot  you.  The  manner  she  lamented  the  Loss  of  you  for  many 
days  was  really  affecting,  but  now  she  consoles  herself  with  the  hope 
that  you  will  come  again  and  I  dare  promise  she  will  share  the  gen- 
eral joy  such  an  event  would  give.  Little  Blachley*  too  in  my  es- 
teem is  become  valuable,  but  should  I  attempt  to  draw  the  charac- 
ters of  our  little  Group,  Sally,  Jack,  Harriot  and  Peggy,  it  would 

*  Her  son. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  in 

doubtless  become  tedious,  and  I  should  be  sorry  that  the  length  of 
this  scrawl  (triffling  as  it  is)  should  prevent  its  reaching  you. 
Heaven  bless  and  preserve  and  restore  you,  is  the  wish  of  your 
affectionate  sister.  A.  W. 


ELIAS   BOUDINOT  TO 


New  Jersey,  25  June,  1778. 


From  my  reception  in  New  York  and  the  enlarged  Sentiments  I 
observed  there,  I  had  hopes  of  being  able  to  do  much  in  moderat- 
ing the  rigors  of  Captivity  &  the  cruelties  of  this  unnatural  war — I 
am  greatly  distressed  to  find  myself  in  some  measure  disappointed — 
As  soon  as  I  arrived  here  I  spread  abroad  what  I  thought  the  senti- 
ments and  future  designs  of  those  I  conversed  with  while  with  you, 
relative  to  Prisoners  in  Genl  ;  and  in  Consequence  obtained  the 
Pardon  of  one  who  was  condemned  to  die  for  high  Treason,  got 
others  discharged  and  hoped  to  prevent  any  more  from  being  con- 
fined— Agreeable  to  the  requests  of  your  General's  and  my  own 
Engagements  I  hastened  flour  down  to  the  two  Landings  mentioned 
to  them  &  both  in  their  Power,  in  order  to  pay  off  the  Debt  of  our 
Prisoners  on  the  Island — In  the  midst  of  this  agreeable  Review,  a 
Party  of  Troops  from  Sandy  Hook  came  to  the  Landing  at  Middle 
Town  Point  &  burned  my  Store  House  &  Mill  containing  about  200 
Barrels  of  flour  &  a  few  hundred  Bushells  of  wheat — took  off  the 
Gentleman  (a  respectable  &  aged  character)  who  had  the  Care  of  it 
together  with  3  or  4  neighbors.  These  Men  (of  fortune  &  family) 
were  indiscriminately  thrown  into  the  Sugar  House  with  our  common 
Soldiers  &  refused  their  Enlargement  tho  the  most  ample  Security 
was  offered.  I  wrote  to  Genl  Jones  immediately  on  this  subject  but 
have  not  rec<?  any  Answer     *     *     * 

Mr.  Loring  assured  me  that  there  was  nothing  in  the  way  [of  an 
exchange],  but  the  old  dispute  about  the  sick  men  sent  out  to  us  in 
1776 — that  Genl  Clinton  was  very  desirous  to  begin  his  Command 
free  from  all  unnecessary  dispute  &  if  that  was  settled,  would  en- 
deavor to  put  the  Prisoners  in  the  most  desirable  Situation,  and  tho 
he  could  not  positively  engage  that  those  in  Philadelphia  should  be 


ii2        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

immediately  discharged  on  Parole,  yet  from  his  Knowledge  of  Sir 
Hen :  Clinton's  Sentiments,  he  had  not  the  least  doubt  of  it.  We 
then  attempted  to  liquidate  the  dispute,  but  could  not  meet  within 
ioo — being  both  tyed  up  by  Instructions.  However  on  his  painting 
the  distresses  of  our  Officers  &  Men  in  being  taken  to  Sea,  in  very 
affecting  Terms,  &  assuring  me  of  the  certainty  of  their  relief  in 
case  of  a  Settlement,  I  ventured  to  exceed  my  orders  and  gave  up 
the  ioo  men  in  order  to  prevent  the  difficulty  of  a  sea  Passage  to 
our  unfortunate  Prisoners.  And  it  was  expressly  agreed  that  I  should 
hurry  the  British  &  Hessian  Prisoners  in,  so  as  to  be  exchanged  be- 
fore he  leaves  Philad — if  they  did  not  arrive  in  Time,  our  Prisoners 
were  to  be  left  &  yours  were  to  be  pushed  on  to  Amboy.  I  imme- 
diately dispatched  Expresses  to  every  department  in  the  States,  with 
orders  to  send  on  to  your  Posts  every  Officer  &  a  Sufficient  Number 
of  Privates  without  the  least  delay — A  few  came  on  &  were  ex- 
changed, but  the  Hessians  being  averse  to  the  Exchange  could  not 
so  easily  be  got  down  without  Guards — This  occasioned  the  una- 
voidable delay  of  a  few  days ;  but  they  did  arrive  sooner  than  could 
reasonably  be  expected. — To  my  great  surprise,  Gen1.  Clinton  deter- 
mining to  leave  Philadelphia  on  Thursday  last,  embarked  all  our 
Prisoners  on  Wednesday,  on  hearing  of  which  I  went  down  to  the 
Lines  &  wrote  to  Mr.  Loring  on  the  subject,  when  Genl  Robertson 
came  out  to  me,  from  whose  Sentiments  I  still  hoped  they  would  be 
relanded ;  but  rec<?  an  Answer  from  him  that  he  could  not  accom- 
plish any  thing  more  than  in  case  their  Prisoners,  or  a  considerable 
number  of  them,  arrived  by  Friday  Evening,  our  Prisoners  should 
be  returned  from  the  Ships.  On  Thursday  Morning  they  evacuated 
the  City,  and  hearing  of  the  Prisoners  approaching  the  Town  on 
Friday  sent  down  the  River,  to  acquaint  the  Commanding  Officer  of 
it,  when  I  found  all  the  Ships  had  sailed  in  the  morning  and  none 
were  to  be  found. 

Thus  the  fair  Prospect  of  settling  the  affairs  of  Prisoners  on  an 
Equitable  footing  has  again  vanished.     *     *     * 

E.  Boudinot. 

*  From  the  Cabinet  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society. 


SAMUEL  B  LAC  FILEY  WEBB.  113 

MAJOR-GENERAL   PUTNAM   TO   THE   PRESIDENT   OF 
CONGRESS. 

Hartford,  June  30th,  1778. 
Sir: 

You  May  remember  that  Sometime  Since,  a  Resolution  of  Con- 
gress was  passed,  that  whenever  any  Fort  or  Fortification,  garrison'd 
by  the  Army  of  the  United  States  should  be  taken  by  the  Enemy, 
the  Commanding  Officer  of  such  Fort  or  Fortification  should  have  a 
Court  of  Enquiry  into  his  conduct,  and  the  reason  of  such  loss.. 
In  consequence  of  that  Resolution  his  Excellency  Appointed  Major- 
Gen1  M*:  Dougall,  B.  Gen\  Huntington  and  Col.  Wigglesworth  to 
carry  it  into  execution,  respecting  the  loss  of  Forts  Montgomery  & 
Clinton. 

The  Court  set  at  Fish  Kill  some  time  in  April  last,  but  I  had  no 
Knowledge  of  their  Appointment  untill  they  arrived,  and  therefore 
could  not  procure  such  evidences,  and  papers,  as  I  might  have 
done,  had  I  been  favor'd  with  timely  notice.  After  the  Court  was 
over  his  Excellency  Gen1  Washington  ordered  one  to  this  place,  to 
collect  and  forward  on  the  Recruits  and  Draughts  of  this  State  for 
the  Continental  Army  :  it  is  sometime  since  they  were  all  forwarded, 
except  some  few  who  have  deserted ;  and  those  there  is  very  little 
probability  of  catching.  I  wrote  his  Excellency  an  account  of  this, 
and  desired  to  Know  whether  I  might  not  be  ordered  to  Join  the 
Army :  I  received  for  answer  that  the  operations  of  the  Campaign 
were  not  determined  on,  and  till  they  were  I  had  better  tarry  here. 
I  have  waited  with  the  utmost  impatience  for  orders,  but  none  hav- 
ing arrived  I  desired  Col.  Wadsworth  to  ask  Gen1.  Huntington, 
what  had  been  or  was  to  be  done,  in  consequence  of  the  Court  of 
Inquiry.  I  have  just  learnt  that  the  proceeding  of  the  Court,  and 
the  papers  relating  thereto,  have  never  been  laid  before  his  Excel- 
lency. I  think  there  must  be  some  mistake  as  I  am  hardly  willing 
to  believe,  that  Gen1.  M<?  Dougall  would  keep  papers  of  such  im- 
portance to  the  United  States  as  well  as  to  My  Character,  so  long 
by  him,  but  would  have  sent  them  to  Congress  or  his  Excellency  for 
perusal,  that  if  I  had  been  reported  guilty  of  Any  Capital  Crime  I 
might  have  the  benefit  of  a  Court  Martial,  And  have  been  con- 
demned or  acquitt'd,  so  that  My  Character  Might  Stand  in  a  clearer 
light  in  the  World,  but  to  be  posted  here  as  a  publick  spectator  for 


ii4         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

every  ill  Minded  person  to  make  their  remarks  upon,  I  think  is  very 
poor  encouragement  for  any  person  to  venture  their  lives  and  for- 
tunes in  the  Service. 

I  must  beg  that  the  Hon'ble  Congress  will  take  this  matter  into 
their  consideration,  and  grant  that  I  may  be  acquitted  and  that  with 
Honor,  or  tryed  by  a  Gen1.  Court  Martial. 

I  have  sent  Major  Putnam,  My  Aid  de  Camp,  to  wait  the  deter- 
mination of  Congress,  and  if  they  have  not  too  Much  business  of 
greater  concern,  I  wish  to  have  an  Answer  by  him  as  soon  as  possible. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem 

Yt  Most  obed*  Serv* 

Israel  Putnam.* 


COLONEL  TALLMADGE  TO  BARNABAS  DEANE. 

White  Plains,  July  6th,  1778. 
My  Dear  Friend  : 

After  waiting  for  several  Days  for  particular  accounts  from  Genl 
Washington  respecting  the  Enemy's  march  &  the  late  battle  in  N 
Jersey,  I  finally  have  it  in  my  power  to  give  you  the  same  with  some 
Degree  of  Certainty  An  Express  has  this  Day  arrived  from  Bruns- 
wick (where  the  Army  then  was)  with  the  following  accounts,  viz — 
that  the  Enemy's  loss  was  in  killed  Rank  &  file  245 

4  Officers  among  which  is  L*  Colo  Monkton  4 

Wounded  amounted  to  1255 

Prisoners  117 

Deserters  since  they  left  Philadelphia  1572 


Thus  it  appears  that  the  Enemy  are  3J93 

weaker  for  their  Jersey  Expedition 

*  This  letter  was  read  in  Congress  July  8th,  and  referred  to  the  Board  of  War. 
On  June  18th,  1778,  Washington  sent  to  Congress  the  proceedings  of  the  Court 
of  Inquiry  on  the  losses  of  the  Highland  forts,  which  were  referred  to  the  Board 
of  War.  No  action  appears  to  have  been  taken,  and  on  4  August  Putnam  laid 
before  Congress  a  letter  from  Washington,  which  was  referred  to  a  committee 
composed  of  Titus  Hosmer,  R.  H.  Lee  and  Scudder.  This  committee  reported 
that  "  upon  careful  examination  of  the  facts  stated  by  the  Court  of  Enquiry,  and 
consideration  of  the  evidence  taken  and  transmitted,  it  appears  that  those  posts 
were  lost  not  from  any  fault,  misconduct  or  negligence  of  the  commanding  officers, 
but  solely  through  the  want  of  adequate  force  under  their  command  to  maintain 
and  defend  them."     Journals  of  Congress,  17  August,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  115 


Our  loss  is  7  officers  &  52  Rank  &  file  Among  which  are  L*  Col? 
[Rudolph]  Bunnel  (Pensylvania)  &  Major  [Edmund  B.]  Dickinson 
(Virginia) . 

By  this  noble  exertion  of  our  Countrymen  &  fellow  Soldiers,  I  am 
of  the  opinion  that  the  fighting  business  is  nearly  over ;  so  that  ex- 
cepting a  small  Skirmish  now  &  then  I  trust  no  Capital  Action  will 
hereafter  be  projected  by  S?  Harry  Clinton 

My  prophecy  of  the  Enemy's  March  thro'  N  Jersey,  I  see  is  com- 
pleatly  fulfilled,  but  such  success  I  must  confess  I  did  not  fully  expect 

I  believe  I  have  hardly  been  so  long  silent  since  I  have  been  your 
Correspondent,  which  You  must  impute  wholly  to  the  urgency  of  my 
duty.  MT.  Sebor  was  good  enough  to  pay  me  a  Visit  when  De- 
tached from  the  Reg*  to  Dobbs's  ferry,  of  the  Duties  of  which  Post 
(as  Commanding  Officer)  he  can  fully  inform  You 

I  wish  I  had  it  in  my  power  to  inform  You  that  we  were  soon  to 
move  down  towards  fort  Independence  as  in  my  opinion  (&  from 
my  late  Comm4  near  that  post  I  think  I  can  form  a  good  opinion) 
the  Enemy  would  leave  that  post  on  our  appearing  with  any  Con- 
siderable force  in  its  Vicinity.  They  are  weak  &  disheartened,  &  of 
Course  would.not  be  able  to  oppose  much  force,  with  very  different 
feelings.  I  must  not  omit  to  inform  You  that  on  the  4*h  inst  (being 
the  anniversary  of  American  Independence)  the  Gen1.  &  Field 
Officers  of  the  Army  were  invited  to  dine  with  Gen!  Gates  when 
we  had  13  as  Catholick  Toasts  given  us  by  the  Gen!  as  Men  ever 
drank.  I  presume  I  hardly  need  inform  You  that  we  were  very 
merry  on  the  occasion,  Wine  at  any  time  being  such  a  Rarity 
the  effluvia  and  Influence  of  which,  joined  to  the  noble  occa- 
sion, You  may  depend  on  it  made  us  as  sociable  as  any  Sons  of 
Backus  in  any  Q*   of  the  World. 

The  following  are  the  Toasts — 

1 — The  glorious  Revolution  of  the  4^  July  1776. 

2 — The  United,  free  &  Independent  States  of  N.  America. 

3 — The  Congress — with  grateful  thanks  for  the  honour  they  have 
done  their  Country  by  their  Spirited  answer  to  the  British  Com- 
missioners. 

4 — His  Excellency  Gen!   Washington. 

5 — The  Navy  of  the  U.  States — may  it  ever  be  employed  to  pro- 
tect, but  never  to  Enslave  mankind. 


n6        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

6 — The  immortal  memory  of  the  Genls  Warren — Montgomery — 
Mercer — Wooster — Harkimer  6°  Nash — with  all  the  renowned 
Heroes,  who  have  fought,  bled  &  died  in  defence  of  their  Country's 
freedom. 

7 — Doct*   Franklin  &  our  Ambassadors  at  foreign  Courts. 

8 — The  Kings  of  France,  Spain  &  Prussia — with  all  the  Kings  & 
Princes  in  alliance  with  the  U.  S.  of  N.  A. 

9 — A  firm  &  Speedy  establishm4  of  the  Consideration  of  the 
U.  States  of  N.  America 

io — The  lovely  Females  of  America,  &  may  they  give  their  hearts 
&  hands  only  to  the  friends  of  their  Country 

1 1 — May  our  Bretheren  in  Canada,  Florida  &  Nova  Scotia,  speedily 
enjoy  the  blessings  of  free  States 

1 2  A  Shameful  expulsion  to  the  B.  Tyrant's  fleets  &  Armies 

13 — The  war  being  gloriously  finished,  may  all  the  blessings  that 
flow  from  liberty,  peace,  Agriculture  &  Commerce  be  the  future  por- 
tion of  the  U.  States  of  N.  America 

You  must  excuse  these  rough  scrawls  as  I  have  gay  Company  to 
day,  such  as  Col?  W.  Livingston,  M.  Huntington  &c  &c 

Fail  not,  my  Dear  friend,  to  interest  me  in  the  small  Privateers 
you  have  mentioned  I  depend  wholly  on  You  for  this.  Make  my 
Compliments  to  Mess1:5  Broome,  Chester,  Webb  their  Ladies  &  all 
friends.     I  am  with  esteem 

Yours  Sincerely 

B.  Tallmadge.* 


TO    GENERAL    LESLIE. 

Flat  Bush,  17  July,  1778. 
Sir: 

Dureing  our  Captivity  and  residence  on  this  Island 
we  are  happy  in  haveing  received  and  willing  to  ac- 
knowledge the  politest  treatment  from  the  Gentlemen 
of  the  British  Army.  It  frequently  has  been  other- 
ways  with  ill  natured  Refugees  and  Inhabitants  of  il- 

*  From  the  cabinet  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  117 

liberal  Sentiments,  these  we  have  ever  tho't  beneath 
our  notice.  An  Instance  I  am  now  obliged  to  com- 
municate of  an  Officer  under  your  Immediate  com- 
mand deviating  from  the  Character  of  a  Gentleman  in 
a  Way  which  I  am  confident  will  not  be  Justifyed  by 
you. 

Cap1.  Drakeford  of  the  26^  last  Evening  came  to  the 
Quarters  of  a  Mr.  Helm,  U.  in  the  American  Army,  a 
prisoner  of  War  now  on  his  Parole,  and  without  the 
least  provocation  insulted  him  with  the  most  abusive 
language,  after  which  in  a  most  unorentleman-like  man- 
ner  forced  the  Cockade  from  his  Hat,  collared  and 
push'd  him  from  the  Stoop  on  which  he  was  standing. 
Mr.  Helm's  situation  prevented  his  retaliating  either  by 
Word  or  Action,  thinking  it  a  more  proper  way  to  ob- 
tain Sattisfaction  by  laying  the  matter  before  his  Su- 
periors. At  his  particular  request,  I  have  taken  the 
liberty  of  writing  you  on  the  Subject. 

With  due  Respect  I  am,  Sir,  yours  &c.  &c. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb 
Col°  American  Army. 


MAJOR   BEATTY  TO    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Elizth  Town,  July  i8*h,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  am  now  to  inform  you  that  yesterday  I  effected  the  Exchange 
of  all  the  privates  in  the  Enemy's  hands — except  those  in  the  Hos- 
pital &  a  few  out  at  work,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  less  than  a 
hundred.  These  M*  Loring  has  promised  shall  be  sent  out  in  the 
Course  of  a  week  or  ten  days. 

The  prisoners  are  in  general  in  good  care — have  therefore  des- 
spatched  all  the  Continental  Troops  to  Head  Quarters,  under  the 
care  of  Capt.  Forman.     I  must  refer  your  Excellency  to  Coll.  Scam- 


n8        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

mell  for  the  number  of  those — the  militia,  sailors,  &c.  making  up  in 
the  whole  647.  In  order  to  determine  among  the  militia,  who  were 
not  in  actual  service,  I  obliged  them,  before  they  were  discharged  to 
make  exact  returns  to  me  of  their  number,  Reg*  ,  State,  &  time  when 
taken.  From  this  measure  I  find  15  men  sent  out  here,  who  were 
taken  from  their  own  houses,  and  many  of  them  out  of  their  Beds. 
These  I  told  Mr.  Loring  I  could  not  receive  in  any  other  light  than 
Citizens,  nor  would  I  return  any  equivalency  for  them.  He  pre- 
tended entire  ignorance  of  their  being  so  taken  &  said  they  were  re- 
turned to  him  as  Prisoners  of  War.  After  quarrelling  some  time,  we 
omitted  giving  Credit  for  them  &  referred  it  to  a  future  day. 

I  can  discover  little  from  the  Prisoners  who  are  come  out.  They 
seem  generally  to  concur  in  saying,  that  they  are  removing  the 
cannon,  stores,  baggage,  &c.  from  Staten  Island — &  I  cannot  but 
add  y}  from  several  circumstances,  as  that  of  a  great  number  of  small 
craft  plying  between  that  &  New  York,  a  great  appearance  of  Tents, 
without  men,  the  crossing  over  a  Body  of  Troops  to  Long  Island,  & 
indeed  a  general  Confusion  seems  to  subsist  among  the  whole — I 
am  inclined  to  believe  that  an  Evacuation  will  soon  take  place  unless 
the  Fleet  at  Sandy  Hook  should  remove.  They  hesitate  no  longer 
in  saying  a  French  war  must  take  place — &  that  Brittain  will  now  be 
oblidged  to  exert  herself. 

Should  your  Excellency  have  any  commands  for  me,  please  to 
direct  to  me  at  Princeton. 

I  am,  Sir,  &c 

Jn?  Beatty. 


FROM   CAPTAIN  M^KISSACK. 

Flatlands,  July  19th,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  rec<*  yours  by  Serg1.  Clark,  which  mentions  "it  has  been  re- 
quested to  you,  that  the  late  Order  from  the  Com  missy  Gen1,  of 
Prisoners,  has  been  rec<?  with  much  Dissatisfaction."  I  do  assure 
you,  Sir,  it  has  caused  much  Grumbling  and  Murmuring  amongst  the 
officers  in  general  of  this  District ;  Nevertheless,  we  have  resolv'd  to 
attend  to  it  for  a  few  Days,  but  are  Determin'd  (should  it  not  soon 
be  revok'd)  to  take  our  former  Enlargement  be  the  Consequence 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  119 

what  it  will. — Be  assur'd,  Sir,  this  [is]  not  only  my  private  opinion, 
but  the  Sentiments  of  every  American  Officer  Prisoner  in  this  Dis- 
trict.    I  have  the  Honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obed4.  Humble  Serv*. 

Will1!1  McKissack. 


TO  COLONEL  AXTELL. 

Flat  Bush,  22  July,  1778. 
Sir: 

By  desire  of  the  Gentlemen  on  Parole  in  Flat  Bush 
as  well  as  on  my  own  account,  I  am  induced  to  urge 
you  will  request  the  Commander  in  chief  to  remove 
from  this  Village  the  Officers  that  are  Prisoners,  or 
the  Invalids  lately  quartered  in  the  same  Houses  with 
us.  Of  two  Evils  we  are  taught  to  choose  the  least — 
and  I  do  assure  you  we  can  hardly  picture  to  our- 
selves a  worse  situation  than  the  present.  The  in- 
sults we  receive  from  the  Soldiery  grow  more  frequent 
every  day.  I  have  experienced  their  abuse  three 
times  this  day  when  standing  at  my  Quarters,  and 
have  hourly  applications  from  my  Br.  Prisoners  to 
represent  the  matter  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton — but  as 
you  are  particularly  knowing  to  their  Conduct  from 
the  Inhabitants,  as  well  as  the  Officers,  I  think  it 
proper  the  representation  should  come  from  you, — in 
this  case  there  is  no  occasion  of  my  writing  His  Excel- 
lency on  the  Subject. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obed1.  Humb.  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb 
Col^  Amer.  A^ 


120        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   ADJUTANT   HOPKINS. 

Flat  Bush,  22<3  July,  1778. 
Dear  Colo  : 

I  am  intirely  destitute  of  Cash,  and  am  Necessitated  for  some 
necessary  articles,  such  as  shoes,  &c.     Shall  esteem  it  as  a  particular 
favour  if  you  would  advance  me  a  small  sum,  which  I  shall  repay  as 
soon  as  I  receive  supplys,  which  I  expect  every  moment. 
I  am  Dear  Col?  tho  quite  unwell 

Your  Very  Humb?  Serv* 

Elisha  Hopkins. 
Sam1.  B.  Webb,  Esq  J,  Lieut.  Col?  of  the  Queens  Guards  in  his 
Most   Christian   Majesty's   service,  and   Col?  of  the  first  Reg*   of 
Guards  in  the  United  States  Army. 


TO    SIR    HENRY    CLINTON. 
» 


Flat  Bush  on  Long  Island 
July  24^,  1778. 
Sir: 

Some  time  in  May  last  Major-General  Prescott,  LA 
Col°.s  Campbell,  Anstruther  and  French  requested  of 
Gen1.  Jones  permission  for  me  to  go  into  the  Country 
on  Parole.  Your  Excellency  being  absent  General 
Jones  could  not  at  that  time  comply  with  their  request, 
but  assured  me  he  would  remember  the  application, 
and  when  in  his  power  gratify  my  wishes.  Business 
of  more  importance,  no  doubt,  prevented  his  mention- 
ing it  since  your  arrival. 

Col°.  Sutherland  of  the  47^  has  come  in  on  Parole, 
with  a  view  I  understand  of  getting  exchanged  for  me. 
My  private  concerns  in  the  Country  make  me  ex- 
treamly  anxious  to  get  out.  Should  your  Excellency 
think  proper  to  allow  of  the  Exchange  with  Col° 
Sutherland  it  will  make  me  happy ;  otherways  I  shall 
esteem  it  a  particular  favor  I  may  be  allowed  to  be  with 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  121 

my  friends  in  the  Country  on  Parole.  Any  Gentle- 
man of  the  British  Army,  now  Prisoner  with  the  Amer- 
icans, haveing  an  Inclination  to  come  in  on  Parole,  I 
will  chearfully  endeavor  to  obtain  leave  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  Esteem 
Your  Excellency's  Most  obed1.    Hum1.    Serv*. 

Sam1:    B.  Webb 
Col°    American  Army. 


FROM   MAJOR   BEATTY. 

Princeton  July  30^  1778. 
My  Dear  Collonell  : 

I  have  but  a  Moment  to  write  you,  as  an  Exchange  of  a  Number 
of  the  Fort  Washington  Officers  will  in  a  few  days  take  place.  I 
must  request  you  to  furnish  me  with  a  return  of  the  whole  of  the 
officers  on  the  Island — beginning  with  those  oldest  in  Captivity — 
ascertaining  their  Rank  &  the  time  of  their  Captivity — I  am  obliged 
to  take  this  Step — both  to  do  Justice  to  the  Prisoners — &  to  prevent 
any  reflections  upon  my  Character — the  utmost  Impartiality  is  meant 
to  take  place  &  if  I  err  in  any  respect,  it  must  be  attributed  to  the 
gentlemen  there,  who  do  not  do  Justice  to  themselves.  I  have  no 
list  to  proceed  upon,  except  an  Inaccurate  one  from  New  York — I 
must  beg  the  gentlemen  will  rectify  this  Matter — &  if  any  dispute 
arises,  with  those  of  the  same  rank  &  who  were  taken  at  the  same 
time,  it  is  Gen1.  Washington's  Opinion,  that  they  either  draw  Lotts, 
or  it  shall  be  determined  by  Precedency  of  Rank.  Whatever  return 
they  make  me,  it  shall  regulate  all  future  Exchanges — I  must  request 
a  report  from  you  as  speedily  as  possible. 

I  enclose  you  two  of  our  latest  Papers — it  contains  as  much  as  I 
am  at  Liberty  to  write.  Peruse  it  &  lend  it  to  your  Neighbours. 
Remember  me  very  affectionately  to  the  good  Family  you  live  in. 
My  Comp?  t0  ^[r  Clarkson's  &  Mr.  Van  home's  Family — tell  them  I 
saw  their  Friends  very  lately — Particularly  Matt  [Clarkson?] — who 
are  all  well— Tell  Tommy  at  the  Dominy's,  to  keep  up  his  Spirits — 
another  Twelve  month  will  put  him  on  the  List  for  an  Exchange.     I 


122         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

dare  say,  he  Enjoys  the  Sweets  of  Confinement  as  fully  as  any  of 
you — I  flatter  myself  some  times  with  seeing  you — but  fear  I  shall 
not  be  able  to  accomplish  it. 

I  am  vfi  Comp*  to  all  the  gentlemen 

D*  Sir,  your  most  Obed4.  Hum.  Serv* 

Jn?  Beatty. 
George  Tudor  begs  to  write  his  name  &  to  say  he  expected  to  hear 
from  Col?  Webb  &  Col.  Antle  [Antill]  before  this  in  answer  to  two 
letters  wrote  to  them  some  time  past.     Adieu  &  believe  him  sin- 
cerely yours. 


MAJOR   BEATTY  TO    GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Princetown,  July  31st,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  am  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  Favor  of  the  27  th 
Instant  which  has  just  come  to  hand,  and  am  to  inform  you,  that  I 
have  already  complied  with  part  of  the  Instructions  therein  con- 
tained :  In  a  Letter  from  the  Marine  Committee  of  Congress,  I  was 
authorized  to  inform  Admiral  Gambier  that  his  proposition  relative 
to  the  Exchange  of  Marine  Prisoners  was  acceded  to  by  Congress, 
binding  themselves  to  return  a  like  number  in  our  possession,  with 
as  little  delay  as  possible.*  I  have  wrote  to  Admiral  Gambier  yes- 
terday, acquainting  him  that  I  shall  attend  at  Elizabeth-Town  to- 
morrow, their  to  receive  and  give  him  credit  for  whatever  number  of 
Prisoners  he  shall  deliver  over — pledging  the  Public  Faith  of  these 
States  for  an  equal  return.  In  my  answer  to  the  Committee  I  in- 
formed them  of  my  having  no  particular  instructions  respecting 
marines,  mentioning  particularly  the  case  of  the  Frenchmen.  I  now 
wait  their  orders  on  that  head. 

I  am  just  returned  from  Philadelphia  where  I  have  in  as  pointed  a 
manner  as  I  was  capable  of,  laid  before  Congress  the  distressed  sit- 
uation of  their  Prisoners,  representing  at  the  same  time  the  accounts 
already  contracted  and  the  Impractibility  as  well  as  Impropriety  of 
discharging  these  debts  in  the  manner  heretofore  adopted,  begging 
they  would  furnish  me  with  as  much  hard  money  as  would  answer 
the  present  demand,  and  put  Mr.  Pintard  upon  a  more  reputable 

*  Journals  of  Congress,  30  July,  1778. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  123 

Footing ;  whose  private  credit  is  already  engaged  for  more  than  he 
can  ever  pay  and  who  is  in  danger  of  being  throw'd  into  a  Provost, 
unless  some  measures  are  speedily  taken  to  relieve  him.  Congress 
have  not  paid  that  attention  to  it  I  thought  the  urgency  of  the  case 
demanded,  and  after  waiting  a  number  of  days  for  an  Answer,  was 
dismissed  without  any  other,  than  that  they  would  resume  the  Con- 
sideration of  it. 

I  shall  endeavor  always  to  administer  a  sufficient  supply  of  pro- 
vision to  the  prisoners  in  New  York,  and  shall  strictly  comply  with 
your  orders  with  regard  to  Individuals. 

I  fear  I  shall  be  detained  longer  from  Head  Quarters  than  I  at 
first  imagined,  occasioned  by  the  very  slow  returns  of  the  Prisoners 
from  the  different  places  they  have  been  confined  in — as  well  as  this 
last  order  from  Congress,  respecting  the  exchange  of  marines. 

I  shall  however  at  all  times  wait  your  Excellency's  commands,  and 
will  be  found  by  directing  your  letters  to  me  at  Prince  Town,  if  not 
there,  they  always  know  where  to  send  to  me. 

I  am  &c. 

Jn?  Beatty, 
Com.  Gen.  Pris. 


TO   MAJOR  BEATTY. 

Flat  Bush  on  Long  Island, 
August  15  th  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

We  have  met  and  made  out  a  return  of  the  officers  and  other 
Prisoners  upon  this  Island,  we  have  taken  up  the  mode  settled  in 
our  army  with  regard  to  their  respective  ranks,  as  the  General  rule 
of  our  conduct  in  the  arrangement,  we  have  signed  and  sent  you  by 
which  means  you  will  be  possessed  of  the  situation  we  are  in  here 
and  enabled  the  better  to  do  justice  and  give  satisfaction  to  all  par- 
ties If  you  should  be  acquainted  with  any  circumstances  relative 
to  the  prisoners  that  have  not  come  to  our  knowledge  you  will  make 
such  alterations  {in  the  roster  of  exchange)  as  you  shall  think  proper. 
We  have  put  down  the  third  Lieutenants  by  themselves  tho'  we  sup- 
pose they  will  rank  as  Ensigns  and  be  exchanged  accordingly.     We 


124        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

are  further  to  inform  you  that  we  have  taken  no  notice  of  those  in 
the  Provost  Guard  nor  the  Marine  or  Sea  officers 

We  remain  with  Respect  your  Hbb!  Serv^ 

James  Irwine  B.  Gen1.  P.  S. 

S.  B.  Webb,  Col?  Amer?  Army 

Ed?  Antill  L.  Col?    D? 

Jn?  Bruyne  L*.  Col?    D? 

John  Smock  L*  Col?  Jersey  Mili. 

Andrew  Gilbrith  Maj!  Pen?  Flying  Camp. 

Edward  Tillard  MajT  Conn*  Army 

Tarlton  Woodson  Majr  Conn*  A*? 

Levin  Joynes  May.  9*  Virg?  Reg1. 

Sam  Logan  Maj*  Conn*.  Army 


FROM  JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Elizabeth  Town,' Aug.  26,  1778. 
Dear  Brother  : 

I  wish  this  may  not  find  you  in  York  but  gone  home  either  by 
Exchange  or  parole.  I  confess  I  am  much  chagrind  that  you  have 
been  detain'd  so  long,  but  God  only  knows  how  much  longer  you 
may  yet  be  in  bondage,  for  it  seems  that  the  affair  of  the  full  Colonels 
yet  remains  unsettled  between  the  two  parties.  I  did  expect  the 
British  Officers  many  that  have  been  Prisoners  in  New  England, 
more  particular  in  Connecticut,  wou'd  have  interested  themselves 
with  the  General  Officers  in  your  behalf.  Gratitude  is  a  virtue  al- 
most above  every  other,  it  must  please  Heaven  itself  I  have  been 
told  that  Col?  Campbell  &  some  others  have  acted  the  generous. 
They  have  my  most  unfeigned  thanks  for  their  politeness  &  civility 
and  I  hope  they  may  sooner  or  later  be  sensible  that  doing  a  gener- 
ous good  action,  meets  with  its  reward. 

I  feel  for  your  situation  and  wou'd  do  every  consistent  thing  in 
my  power  for  your  release,  but  realy  I  see  no  prospects  as  there  is 
no  full  Colonels  in  the  King's  Service  in  America.  You  will  there- 
fore wait  with  patience,  or  perhaps  General  Clinton  will  consent  to 
your  coming  out  on  parole,  if  you  can't  be  released. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB. 


"5 


You  may  tell  General  Robertson  I  have  paid  the  money  accord- 
ing to  order  which  I'll  soon  send  the  Ace*  of  that  you  may  receive 
it.  I  saw  Gov?  McKinley  who  was  endeavoring  his  Exchange  for 
Gov?  Franklin  but  I  believe  will  not  exceed  (?) — it  seems  they  ex- 
pect Thomson  to  be  Exchang'd  first  (but  however  its  not  yet  deter- 
mined.) I  cou'd  wish  to  compleat  as  much  of  a  settlement  with 
•those  Bills  you  may  have  as  you  possibly  can.  (I  wish  you  might 
Exchange  y*  two  Horses  for  a  finer  pair,  &  if  cheap  a  Genteal  Phae- 
ton I  much  want. — I  yesterday  met  with  Mr.s  Maturin,  sister  of  Will- 
iam Livingston,  &  returns  in  a  few  Days,  who  can  tell  you  more  par- 
ticulars of  the  situation  of  our  Family. — If  you  see  Col?  Barton  you 
may  ask  him  to  settle  with  you  the  money  advanced  him  when  a 
Prisoner.  He  also  took  in  some  money  to  deliver  Col?  Heart  who 
was  a  Prisoner  on  Long  Island,  but  while  Col.  Barton  was  on  his 
Road  to  York,  Heart  was  Exchanged — &  Col.  Barton  had  no  OppX 
to  deliver  the  money,  but  now  has  it,  which  you'll  please  to  receive 
and  give  him  a  Rec*  for. 

I  wish  you  to  give  my  Compliments  to  M?  Jn?  Winslow  &  ask  him 
if  I  shall  advance  money  to  the  Good  Parson's  Lady  Miss  Sucky,  &c. 
if  its  His  desire  I'll  do  it  with  pleasure. — I  Rec?  two  half  Joe's  of 
Doct1:  Middleton  to  be  Deliv?  a  Prisoner  at  Dunstable  (IS.  A.  Home 
754.h  Reg4.  )  which  I  forwarded,  but  very  lately  it  was  return'd  me  & 
the  Ace1,  was  he  was  Exchanged  ;  therefore  you'll  repay  Doct.  Mid- 
dleton the  two  half  Joes.  I  enclose  you  a  Letter  from  S[ilas] 
D[eane] — who  is  well  &  expects  soon  to  return  back  from  where  he 
last  came. — I  wish  you  to  rememb1:  me  to  Mr.  Lorrain  [Loring], 
Winslow,  Sherbrook  &  our  Friends.  B[arnabas]  Deane  is  in  Com- 
pany with  me  on  our  Rout  from  Philadelphia  Home  &  desires  to  be 
rem?  amongst  the  Rest. — Our  sister  Simpson  is  now  at  Boston.  I 
hope  she'll  not  lose  her  House  tho :  I  much  fear  it.     *     *     * 

Jos.  Webb. 

Capt.  Hawlker  I  am  sorry  to  find  in  close  prison  at  Philadelphia. 
He  I  conclude  ranks  with  a  Col?  of  the  Army — the  Reason  given  for 
his  close  confinement  is — that  all  the  Americans  in  the  Navy  [rest  is 
missing.~\ 


126         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 
TO    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    CAMPBELL. 

Flat  Bush  on  Long-Island 
Sm:  August  27*,  i778. 

Your  friendly  offers  of  service  some  time  since,  when 
I  was  soliciting  leave  of  Absence  on  Parole  deserve 
my  warmest  acknowledgements.  Since  that  period  I 
have  been  patiently  waiting  in  hopes,  and  daily  expec- 
tation of  hearing  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  but  still  re- 
main in  a  disagreeable  State  of  suspense.  A  letter 
received  yesterday  from  Mr.  Silas  Deane  (my  Step 
Father)  and  another  from  my  Brother  make  me  doubly 
anxious  to  get  out.  Mr.  Deane  writes  me  he  is  soon 
to  return  to  France,  and  wishes  much  to  see  me  on 
Business  of  Consequence  to  me  before  he  goes — my 
Brother  informs  me  my  private  affairs  call  loudly  for 
my  attention  and  begs  the  exertion  of  my  friends  to 
obtain  leave  for  me  to  retire  into  the  Country  on  Pa- 
role— these  added  to  a  bad  State  of  Health  which  I 
have  been  in  for  some  time  past  induce  me  once  more 
to  intrude  on  your  Politeness — and  to  request  you  will 
be  pleased  to  state  my  situation  to  the  Commander  in 
Chief,  and  if  possible  obtain  for  me  the  Indulgence  of 
being  with  my  friends.  I  do  assure  you,  Sir,  I  should 
not  have  again  troubled  you  on  this  subject  but  for  the 
weighty  reasons  offer'd,  viz. — The  anxiety  of  my  friends, 
the  suffering  situation  of  my  private  concerns  and  my 
ill  State  of  Health.  I  shall  be  happy  when  in  my 
power  personally  to  acknowledge  your  Civilities,  and 
am,  Sir,  with  Esteem 

Your  Most  Obed1.  &  Very  Hum"  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb 
Col°  American  Army.* 

*  Endorsed  by  Colonel  Webb  "  not  sent." 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  127 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL    PARSONS     TO   GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

29th  Augt  ,  [1778]. 
Dear  General : 

By  My  Son  from  Long  Island  Yesterday,  I  learn  that  Genl  Clin- 
ton's Baggage  Arriv*?  at  Flushing  last  Wednesday,  he  was  expected 
there  last  Thursday ;  about  forty  Field  Pieces  had  Arriv?  at  Flushing 
from  New  York :  that  the  Hessians  at  Huntington  had  March1?  for 
Jamaica :  that  the  Dragoons  at  Huntington  had  receiv*?  Orders  to 
March  to  the  Narrows ;  but  when  they  were  ready  to  March  were 
order'd  to  Wait  for  further  Orders — that  Orders  were  Sent  to  Gen\ 
Tryon  to  hasten  his  March  Westward,  that  his  Troops  were  incamp'd 
yesterday  at  Satalket  on  their  Way  Westward.  That  he  heard  the 
English  Fleet  Sail'd  last  Wednesday ;  this  acct.  he  rec<?  from  Col. 
Webb,  and  Others,  of  our  Prisoners, — that  the  Inhabitants  are  Anx- 
ious to  have  Arms  &  a  few  Men  Sent  to  them  and  they  Will  Answer 
for  Gov1;  Tryon  &  his  Command — That  all  the  Vessells  Near  the 
Harbour  &  Bay  of  Huntington  were  order'd  to  the  Bay  under  Con- 
voy of  their  Ships  of  War,  whither  they  had  loaded  or  not :  that 
there  were  yesterday  Near  Seventy  Sail  of  Vessels  in  Huntington 
Harbour  Mostly  Square  rig4  Vessels — 

Mr.  Scudder,  exchange  left  New  York  last  Saturday,  Says  he  saw 
from  the  Provost  Guard  a  considerable  Number  of  Small  Pieces  of 
Field  Artillery  which  were  remov'd  Toward  Eastward  which  he  was 
inform'd  were  remov'd  to  Long  Island — that  the  British  Fleet  re- 
turn'd  Much  Shatter' d  after  the  late  Storm ;  he  Saw  a  Ship,  Said  to 
be  a  50  Gun  Ship  dismasted  lying  in  the  East  River,  that  Most  of 
the  Artillery  which  was  on  y«  Fields  near  y*  Provost  Guard  was  re- 
mov'd— that  the  Flour  in  the  City  is  Very  Musty  &  the  Inhabitants 
Not  well  Supplied  even  with  that — That  Some  Troops  are  incamp? 
at  Bushwick  a  large  Camp  at  the  Fly ;  No  English  Fleet  Arriv?  be- 
fore he  left  y*  City. 

I  am  y\  Excellency's  h  Serv*. 

Sam?-  H.  Parsons. 


128        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

GOVERNOR  CLINTON  TO  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  CONGRESS.* 

Poughkeepsie,  9th  September,  1778. 
Sir: 

In  Loudon's  New  York  Packet  of  the  3d  of  September,  I  find  the 
following  Paragraph  "In  Congress  August  17*  1778  The  Committee 
to  whom  was  referred  a  Letter  from  Gen1.  Washington  of  the  28^ 
July  last  respecting  Major  General  Putnam,  and  the  Report  of  the 
Court  of  Inquiry  on  the  Subject  of  the  Posts  in  the  Highlands  on 
Hudson's  River  taken  last  year  which  was  transmitted  Congress  Re- 
port ;  That  upon  Careful  Examination  of  the  Facts  Stated  by  the 
Court  of  Inquiry  and  Consideration  of  the  Evidence  taken  and 
transmitted  it  appears  That  those  Posts  were  lost  Not  from  Any 
Fault,  Misconduct  or  Negligence  of  the  Commanding  Officers,  but 
Solely  thro'  the  Want  of  an  Adequate  Force  Under  their  Command 
to  Maintain  and  defend  them.  Resolved  That  Congress  Agree  to 
the  said  Report.  Extract  from  the  Minutes,  Charles  Thomson 
Sec1?"  As  this  Resolution  Appears  to  have  been  printed  at  the  In- 
stance of  Major  General  Putnam  I  have  No  Doubt  of  it's  Authen- 
ticity Altho'  I  have  Never  been  favoured  with  a  Copy  of  it,  Nor 
does  it  appear  to  have  been  published  by  order  of  Congress. 

Your  Excellency  will  permit  me  to  remind  you  that  I  am  one  of 
the  Officers  alluded  to  in  that  Resolution,  and  that  the  Forts  on  the 
Banks  of  Hudson's  River  in  the  Highlands  were  under  My  immedi- 
ate Command  when  reduced. 

I  was  then  a  Subordinate  Officer  and  Subject  to  the  orders  and 
Command  of  General  Putnam ;  Had  the  Resolution  Considered  me 
as  such  No  doubts  respecting  the  Propriety  of  My  Conduct  would 
have  remained — On  the  Contrary  it  Seems  to  Consider  the  different 
Posts  as  being  under  distinct  and  independent  Commands  and  of 
Course  the  Propriety  of  Maintaining  or  evacuating  them  as  left  to 
the  Discretion  of  their  respective  Commanders — The  Resolution 
Ascribes  the  Loss  of  the  Posts  Not  to  the  Fault,  Misconduct  or 
Negligence  of  those  Officers  but  Solely  to  the  Want  of  an  adequate 
Force  to  Maintain  them,  and  as  not  only  the  Posts  Under  My  Com- 
mand, but  a  brave  Garrison  &  valuable  stores  were  lost ;  it  gives 
birth  to  a  Question,  which,  however  interesting  to  me,  it  does  not 

*  Henry  Laurens. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  129 

determine,  Viz'  whether  as  I  (being  on  the  Spot)  cannot  be  sup- 
posed Not  to  have  known  the  strength  of  the  Garrison  and  of  the 
Enemy  Without — being  Supposed  too  Ignorant  or  ^Negligent  for  the 
Command  I  ought  to  have  made  so  great  a  Sacrifice  to  so  Vain  an 
Attempt ;  but  whether  on  the  Contrary  I  ought  not  to  have  pre- 
served the  Garrison  &  Stores  by  Vacating  the  Posts. 

What  the  Sentiments  of  Congress  may  be  on  this  subject  or 
whether  they  will  think  proper  ever  to  make  them  known  is  to  me  un- 
certain. Should  it  not  be  thought  an  object  of  sufficient  Importance 
to  Merit  an  Inquiry ;  yet  the  Respect  I  owe  My  own  Reputation 
added  to  the  Desire  I  have  of  preserving  the  Confidence  which  the 
Garrison  reposed  in  me  ;  and  of  which  they  gave  me  the  highest 
Proof  leads  me  to  think  it  My  Duty  to  enable  myself  to  evince  the 
Propriety  of  My  Conduct  on  that  Occasion  especially  as  the  Silence 
of  Congress  May  be  urged  as  an  Argument  against  its  having  been 
altogether  unexceptionable. 

For  this  purpose  I  request  the  Favor  of  Congress  to  order  certi- 
fied Copies  of  the  Report  of  the  Court  of  Inquiry,  of  the  Papers  ac- 
companying it  and  of  General  Putnam's  Letter  informing  them  of 
the  Loss  of  the  Forts  to  be  transmitted  me ;  As  by  these  I  trust  it 
does  Not  only  Appear  that  tho'  unfortunate  in  the  Event,  The 
Garrison  made  the  best  possible  Defence  but  also  that  My  Con- 
duct in  attempting  to  hold  those  Posts  tho'  with  an  inadequate 
Force — The  Reasons  which  were  given  me  to  expect  a  reasonable 
Reinforcement  &  the  Nature  of  My  Command  considered — was 
strictly  Justifiable. 

Your  Excellency's  Attention  to  this  Subject  will  greatly  oblige 
Sir  etc.  Geo.  Clinton.* 

*  Congress  sent  certified  copies  of  the  papers,  and,  through  its  president,  in- 
formed him  that  it  was  "  well  satisfied  of  the  propriety  of  his  conduct  as  com- 
mander of  the  Forts  on  Hudson's  River."  Journals  of  Congress,  21  September, 
1778.  I  have  been  unable  to  discover  any  of  the  papers  connected  with  this  in- 
quiry into  the  loss  of  the  Highland  forts.  The  originals  have  been  abstracted 
from  the  papers  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  the  copies  sent  to  Gov.  Clinton 
are  not  to  be  found  among  the  Clinton  MSS. 


130        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    JOSHUA    LORING. 

[September,  1778.] 
Dear  Sir: 

A  State  of  constant  suspense  is  of  all  others  the 
most  disagreeable,  and  to  be  continually  troubling 
those  who  I  am  confident  wish  to  serve  me  is  extreamly 
painfull, — nor  would  I  again  mention  it  to  you,  but  that 
my  peculiar  situation  demands  my  every  exertion  to 
obtain  my  Parole — and  I  cannot  but  think  I  am  entituled 
to  this  Indulgence.  Col°  Antill  I  find  has  permission 
to  go  to  town,  and  assurances  that  he  will  be  permitted 
to  retire  to  the  Country  on  Parole.  My  situation  I 
think  would  induce  the  same  hand  to  grant  me  the 
Indulgence.  Permit  me  Sir  again  to  request  your  Ex- 
ertions. Perhaps  a  personal  application  might  have 
weight,  if  so  I  wish  to  be  in  Town  a  day  or  two. 

Mr.  Keene  is  going  to  town.  I  have  requested  he 
will  See  you  on  the  Subject,  and  beg  your  further  ad- 
vice what  steps  I  shall  pursue.  My  former  letters 
contain  as  much  on  the  Subject  as  I  can  mention. 
Wishing  to  hear  from  you>  I  am  Sir,  your  friend  & 
Most  Obed1.  Serv1. 


Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


TO    CAPTAIN    JOHN    WEBB. 

Sunday  Even?  ten  oClock  Nov?  1  1778. 
Dear  Sir: 

An  hour  Since  your  letter  of  the  29^  was  handed, 
however  disagreeable  its  contents  it  afforded  me  pleas- 
ure to  hear  of  your  welfare  and  exertion  on  my  behalf. 
Your  advice  is  good,  'tis  easier  to  say  what  ought  to 
be  than  to  perform,  I  presume  to  say  no  Man  has  borne 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  131 

his  situation  (considering  all  Circumstances)  with  more 
fortitude  than  your  Hume.  Serv*.  — but  in  fact  my  pa- 
tience is  nearly  exhausted,  Since  you  left  us  in  May 
last  I  have  been  fed  with  fair  promises — next  Week — 
in  a  few  days  &c  &c  &c  I  was  positively  to  be  permitted 
to  retire  to  the  Country  on  Parole,  'till  at  length  prom- 
ises appeared  mere  Bug  bears — when  I  requested  my 
friends  to  obtain  a  Catagorical  answer  to  my  request, 
I  obtained  it — no  you  shall  not  go — the  pretence  was 
the  unjust  treatment  of  L\  Col°.  Conolly,  but  so  little 
dependance  have  I  in  promises  that  should  Conolly  be 
released — I  don't  believe  they  would  let  me  go  out, 
My  soul  will  not  bend  beneath  the  dignity  of  its  Rank, 
I  cannot  court  a  Scoundrel,  disavow  my  real  Senti- 
ments, and  make  him  believe  me  his  friend — no  nor 
never  will,  a  little  of  this  kind  of  conduct  I  believe 
would  have  obtained  my  request, — at  least  I  am  told  a 
Man  of  Rank,  and  well  known,  is  my  opposer,  and  I 
am  confident  from  no  other  principle  but  that  I  have 
not  bow'd  at  his  feet,  and  solicited  his  favor, — Was  it 
not  that  I  have  a  young  Reg1,  in  the  Field,  &  several 
other  matters,  which  almost  singularly  attend  me  I 
should  not  be  so  uneasy,  compare  .my  situation  with 
Col°  Allison  &  Judge  you  whether  I  ought  not  in  the 
Strictest  Justice  to  be  exchanged  before  him.  However 
fully  confident  of  your  good  will  I  shall  not  trouble 
you  further  on  this  head,  your  advice  shall  be  taken 
respecting  another  application,  at  the  same  time  should 
Ll.  Col  Conolly  be  released  from  Confinement  I  beg 
you'll  notify  Mr.  Loring  of  it — &  back  it  with  a  request 
for  my  Parole — 

You  say  had  an  agreeable  Partner  accompany  me  to 


1 32        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

the  Ward — might  have  been  more  Agreeable — oh !  my 
Dr.  Jack  these  are  not  the  times  to  be  whispering  soft 
things  to  the  fair  females, — but  this  I  try,  and  I  should 
think  myself  void  of  every  tender  generous  feeling  did 
I  not  feel  an  agreeable  alleviation  when  in  their  Com- 
pany,— but  alas  hours  of  reflection  will  come,  &  what 
are  my  tho'ts,  A  Prisoner — &  a  prisoner  like  to  be, 
these  at  this  Glorious  period,  are  too  much  to  bear  with 
any  degree  of  patience — 

I  know  of  no  Opportunity  at  present  to  forward  this 
to  you,  I  shall  lay  it  aside  'till  one  offers  when  I  will 
again  take  up  my  pen. 


SIR   HENRY   CLINTON   TO   GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

New  York,  io  November,  1778. 
Sir: 

It  is  not  necessary  at  present  to  resume  the  consideration  of  the 
principal  questions  relating  to  the  convention  of  Saratoga.  I  wish 
merely  to  bring  under  Review  the  Resolution  of  Congress  of  the 
21s.1  of  May,  enclosed  in  your  Letter  of  the  23"?  to  Sir  William  Howe. 

It  appears  to  me  different  from  the  Practice  of  all  Nations  or 
Parties  at  War,  and  in  some  Degree  tending  to  increase  the  Hard- 
ships of  War,  to  refuse  granting  an  Equivalent  of  Privates  for  officers. 

Such  an  Exchange  at  present  may  prevent  great  Inconveniences 
to  many  of  the  Parties  concerned. 

You  have  ordered  the  Troops  of  the  Convention  to  be  removed 
from  Massachusetts  Bay  to  Virginia ;  and  I  have  ordered  all  the 
officers  of  your  Army,  Prisoners  out  on  Parole,  to  return  here. 

These  movements,  with  all  the  Hardships  incident  to  them  at  this 
Season,  may  in  part  be  prevented  if  you  think  proper  to  agree  that 
the  officers  of  your  Army  Prisoners  on  Parole,  or  now  here,  be  ex- 
changed for  Officers  and  Men  of  the  Troops  of  the  Convention, 
according  to  the  Customary  Proportion,  or  according  to  such  Pro- 
portion as  may  be  determined  by  Commissioners  appointed  on 
both  Sides. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  133 

If  what  I  propose  should  meet  with  your  approbation,  and  the 
Time  and  Place  for  the  meeting  of  Commissioners  for  the  Purposes 
before  mentioned  is  determined,  I  shall  send  Colonels  O'Hara  and 
Hyde  of  His  Majesty's  Foot-Guards,  as  Commissioners  on  my  Part, 
who  will  be  fully  instructed  and  authorised  to  enter  on  the  consider- 
ation of  any  matters  that  may  arise  in  the  conduct  of  this  Business. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Assistant  Commissary  General  to  the  Troops  of  the 
Convention,  who  will  have  the  honor  of  delivering  this  Letter,  being 
desired  by  Major  General  Phillips  to  return  immediately  to  Cam- 
bridge by  land,  in  order  to  settle  some  accounts  relative  to  that 
army,  I  am  to  request  a  Passport  for  him  to  return  thither  for  that 
Purpose.  H.  Clinton. 


GENERAL    WASHINGTON  TO   THE   PRESIDENT   OF   CONGRESS. 

Headquarters,  Fredericksburg,  14  November,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  do  myself  the  honor  to  transmit  you  the  copy  of  a  letter  of  the 
io*h  instant,  which  I  received  yesterday  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  on 
the  subject  of  exchanging  the  prisoners  of  the  Convention. 

Should  the  proposition  be  agreeable  to  Congress,  I  shall  be  glad 
to  receive  powers  to  enter  into  a  negotiation  as  soon  as  possible,  as 
it  may  probably  relieve  our  officers,  upon  parole,  from  the  disagree- 
able necessity  of  returning  to  New  York.*  I  will  just  observe,  that 
should  an  exchange  take  place  upon  the  terms  proposed  by  Sir 
Henry,  I  should  suppose  we  shall  not  be  obliged  to  give  up  any  con- 
siderable number  of  privates  by  way  of  composition,  as  the  officers 
of  the  Convention,  should  the  whole  be  suffered  to  be  exchanged, 
would  go  a  great  way  towards  liberating  ours  at  present  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy.  But  it  cannot  be  expected  that  they  will  leave  their 
troops  entirely  destitute  of  officers. 

Mr.  Commissary  Clark,  mentioned  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  was 
permitted  by  General  Heath  to  go  from  Boston  to  New  York  to 

*  Mr.  Loring  had  written  to  Colonel  Beatty,  on  October  31st,  summoning  all  the 
officers  who  were  at  home  on  parole,  to  repair  immediately  to  New  York. 


i34        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

settle  the  accounts  and  procure  money  for  the  discharge  of  the  debts 
of  the  troops  at  Cambridge.     I  am  &c 

G?  Washington.* 


FROM   SILAS   DEANE. 

Philadelphia,  14th  Nov*  f  1778. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

Miss  Ogden  has  the  goodness  to  be  the  bearer  of  this  Letter.  I 
have  wrote  you  several,  &  am  surprized  to  learn  that  you  have  not 
received  them  as  I  sent  them  open,  &  the  Contents  were  inoffensive. 
I  fondly  hoped,  you  would  before  this,  have  been  exchanged,  for  I 
am  extremely  impatient  to  see  you  though  it  were  but  for  a  few 
Days,  this  as  the  last  resource.  I  proposed  to  Cap*  Duncan  That 
at  least  you  might  be  permitted  to  come  out  on  your  parole  for  a 
few  weeks ;  I  write  you  a  Letter  by  him  open  which  you  must  have 
received  before  this  will  come  to  hand.  I  pray  you  to  take  care  of 
your  health,  and  to  write  me  by  every  Opportunity  just  to  let  me 
know  how  you  are,  as  to  health,  &  if  I  shall  not  have  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  you,  yet  I  shall  be  no  less  anxious  for  your  release,  to  obtain 
which  nothing  in  my  power  shall  be  wanting.     I  am  my 

Dear  Sir  Your's  most  Affectionately, 

Silas  Deane. 

*  This  letter  was  referred  to  the  Board  of  War,  and,  on  its  report,  Congress  im- 
powered  and  directed  Washington  to  appoint  commissioners  to  confer  with  the 
British  on  the  exchange  "  of  officers  in  the  service  of  these  states,  now  prisoners 
in  the  actual  possession  of  the  enemy,  or  out  on  parole,  for  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  troops  of  the  convention,  according  to  their  ranks  and  numbers,  officers  of 
equal  rank  to  be  first  exchanged :  after  which,  if  it  shall  be  necessary,  an  equiva- 
lent of  inferior  for  superior  officers,  and,  if  agreeable  to  such  equivalent,  all  the 
officers  of  the  army  shall  be  exchanged,  and  a  balance  of  officers  remain  in  their 
hands,  then  an  equivalent  of  privates  to  be  given  in  exchange  for  such  officers, 
shall  be  settled  according  to  the  customary  proportion,  or  such  proportion  as  may 
be  agreed  on."  Washington  was  fully  authorized  to  ratify  the  terms  agreed  upon. 
Journals  of  Congress,  19  November,  1778.  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  letter,  and  the 
report  of  the  British  Commissioners,  are  printed  in  Almon's  Remembrances,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  135 

JOSEPH   WEBB  TO   JEREMIAH   WADSWORTH. 

Wethersfield,  24  November,  1778. 
My  dear  Friend  : 

This  will  be  handed  you  by  my  young  Man  Manning  Merrills  who 
waits  on  you  as  the  Head  of  the  Department  for  a  Sum  of  Money 
due  from  Friend  Knaps  your  Deputy  ever  since  July,  you  can't  think 
my  Dear  Sir  what  shifts  turns  &  twistings  I  have  been  obliged  to 
make  during  this  Intrim  of  non  payments  I  am  now  in  the  greatest 
distress — which  makes  me  Dispatch  off  to  your  friendly  assistance,  I 
am  not  insensible  of  your  troubles  &  Vexations,  but  I  trust  it  will 
now  be  convenient  in  Which  case  I  know  you  will  aid  &  Assist  me  as 
soon  as  any  one  in  short  my  present  distress  is  as  high  as  I  can  paint 
but  I  leave  you  who  is  so  well  acquainted  with  Mankind  trade  & 
Commerce  to  reflect — &  for  any  further  particulars  to  enquire  of 
Merrills  the  Bearer  but  I  well  know  that  with  you  it  will  be  needless 
to  Enlarge  I  have  told  you  my  case  and  can  only  beg  your  attention 
to  me  at  this  Time  which  I  shall  ever  acknowledge — I  need  not 
mention  that  things  daily  rise,  the  Farmers  are  playing  the  Devil 
with  us,  when  will  the  Continental  Currency  End — is  Congress  En- 
deavoring to  retreave  her  Character  ?  in  short  Congress  is  not  what 
Congress  was. — Esq1:  S yet  holds  His  Seat — but  without  add- 
ing I  know  you  think  as  I  do.— 

I  have  given  up  all  thought  of  Business  &  now  spending  Old  Stock 
— in  short  there's  not  the  least  encouragements  for  the  Man  of  Busi- 
ness nothing  but  one  scene  of  extortion  uneasiness  freting  &  finding 
fault  with  each  other  but  Sweet  Hope  once  in  awhile  comes  in  which 
makes  it  pass  for  the  present— I  would  ask  for  a  long  Circumstantial 
Letter  from  you,  but  I  must  acknowledge  I  do  not  deserve  it — I 
must  own  this  is  the  first  Letter  I  have  Wrote  you  since  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  of  you  at  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  Jo.  Barrel  mercM  of  Boston  is  lately  married  to  a  certain  M^ 
Simpson  of  Weathersfield.*  We  have  all  hands  lately  drank  Tea  with 
your  good  Lady  &  family  left  all  well,  except  yT.  Little  Son  which  is. 
much  better  than  of  late.     I  am  Dear  Wadsworth 

Your  most  affectionate  &  sincere  friend  Joseph  Webb. 

*  The  marriage  occurred  on  November  16th. 


136        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


I  have  lately  seen  Col.  Webb  at  the  lines  near  Kings  bridge — poor 
fellow  is  extremely  unhappy  thinks  hard  an  Exchange  is  not  push  for 
the  Officers  that  are  prisoners. — I  have  enclosed  Col?  Tillman 
[Tilghman]  Aide  D  Camp  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  some  of  His 
Letters  to  me  which  you  can  see — pray  what  can  be  done  ?  Some- 
thing ought  to  be  done. — Our  treatment  of  a  Certain  Col.  Conolley 
is  an  Excuse  for  this  Deviltry,  pray  do  you  know  anything  about  the 
matter  ?  should  Col?  Beatty  be  near  you  I  beg  you  would  ask  him 
particularly  about  it,  &  let  me  know — likewise  its  Reported  that  Our 
Commissary  has  Rec'd  Orders  to  Order  into  York  all  the  American 
Prisoners  out  on  parole — Bulkly,  Ely  &  Mumford  are  anxious  & 
much  wish  to  know. — Pray  has  Col?  Biddle  or  the  Good  MT.S  Shaw 
Rec<?  some  Gauze  &  Ribbon  sent  her.  Y?  &c  as  before 

Webb*. 


FROM   COLONEL   CHESTER. 

Wethers  field,  Deer    13th,  A.  D.  1778. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  troubled  you,  not  long  since,  by  Br?  Webb,  with  a  request,  re- 
specting the  action  commenced  agairst  me,  by  Col.  Johnson.  The 
Particulars  of  that  affair  you  are  minutely  acquainted  with.  It  is  at 
present  suspended  only  for  want  of  your  testimony ;  but  I  fear  it 
cannot  be  put  off  much  longer  on  that,  or  any  other  score.  I  must 
therefore  beg  of  you  to  forward  me  your  affidavit  (if  allowable)  as 
early  as  possible,  sworn  to,  sealed,  &  directed  to  Windham  County 
Court.  You  can  shew  it  to  some  proper  officer,  who,  when  satis- 
fied, will  frank  it.  If  it  comes  unsealed,  it  will  answer  me  no  pur- 
pose in  Court.  I  should  be  glad  (if  it  may  be)  of  a  Copy  directed 
to  me.  This  may  save  your  friend,  &  I  know  of  nothing  else  that 
can.| 

We  are  all  most  ardently  wishing  your  exchange,  and  an  oppor- 
tunity of  embracing  you  in  the  Arms  of  friendship.  God  knows  how 
long  it  may  be  first.     Mr.s  Simpson  is  married  to  Mr.    [Joseph] 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.,  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 

t  In  February,  Colonel  Chester  again  wrote  that  the  testimony  of  Colonel  Webb 
had  not  been  received,  the  trial  had  been  with  much  difficulty  postponed,  and  a 
flag  was  to  be  sent  into  New  York  to  obtain  his  testimony. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  137 

Barrell  of  Boston.  Miss  Webb  has  left  us,  to  spend  the  winter  with 
them.  M?  Webb  buried  her  little  Harriot  while  Mr  Webb  was 
with  you  at  the  Lines.  Jerry  Ingersoll  is  return?  home  in  health. 
The  situation  is  such  that  you'll  pardon  we  while  I  only  add  that  I 
am,  Dear  Sir,  your  affectionate  friend 

&  Humble  Servant 
John  Chester. 


COL.    WEBB  S    AFFIDAVIT. 

I,  Samuel  B  Webb,  of  lawful  age  testify  &  say 
that  sometime  in  Deer  1776  while  I  was  an  Aid  de 
Camp  to  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  that 
Lieut  Colo  Obadiah  Johnson  of  Colo  Andrew  Wards 
regiment  made  application  to  his  Excellency  for  liberty 
to  go  home  on  furlough.  We  were  then  in  quarters 
on  the  west  side  of  Delaware  about  eight  or  ten  miles 
from  Trenton.  At  that  time  a  general  idea  prevailed 
that  some  capital  stroke  would  soon  be  made  or  at 
least  attempted.  Genl  Washington  about  that  time 
told  his  Aids  to  refuse  every  application  for  furloughs 
&  when  the  s^  Lieut  Colo  Johnson  spoke  to  me  on  the 
subject,  I  told  him  it  was  impossible  to  comply  with  his 
request  and  gave  him  the  strongest  reason  to  believe 
that  some  important  movement  was  about  to  take 
place  which  required  the  Assistance  of  all  the  Officers. — 
He  continued  to  urge  the  matter  &  persuaded  me  to 
speak  to  the  General  on  the  subject — The  General  was 
surprized  I  should  mention  it  and  positively  refused 
it. — Yet  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  a  second  &  third 
application  were  made  by  the  said  Lieu*.  Colo  John- 
son— Upon  which  his  Excellency  authorized  me  to 
mention  to  said  L\  Col°  Johnson — that  no  man  of  spirit 


138        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

who  was  a  friend  to  his  country  would  wish  to  leave 
the  army  at  such  a  critical  period — that  it  would  set  a 
bad  example  for  officers  to  leave  us  &  that  the  sol- 
diers with  propriety  might  refuse  to  continue  after  the 
term  of  their  enlistment  if  officers  were  permitted 
to  p-o  home  for  their  amusement  &  to  attend  to 
their  own  private  affairs  These  remarks  seemed  to 
have  no  weight  with  the  said  Ll.  Colo  Johnson  &  he 
insisted  on  my  repeating  the  application ;  which  I  did — 
and  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  his  Excy  replied — 
"that  such  men  were  better  at  home  than  here  as  they 
never  would  do  their  duty  in  the  field  or  encourage 
others  to  do  it."  His  Excellency  therefore  said,  that 
if  Colo  Ward  would  give  his  consent  the  said  L\  Colo 
Johnson  might  go  home,  and  Upon  Colo  Wards  con- 
senting I  wrote  the  furlough — Further  the  deponent 
saith  not. — 

S  B  Webb 
(Copy) 


REPORT   OF  THE   COMMISSIONERS. 

Camp,  15  December,  1778. 

We,  the  Commissioners  appointed  by  your  Excellency  for  the 
purposes  specified  in  the  powers  to  us  given  on  the  30^  of  Novem- 
ber last,  Beg  leave  to  report — 

That  in  pursuance  of  your  instructions,  we  repaired  to  Amboy  on 
Monday,  the  7*  instant  at  11  oClock;  where  we  continued  till 
friday  evening  the  n*h  before  we  were  met  by  the  Commissioners  on 
the  part  of  His  Excellency  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  who  had  been  de- 
tained 'till  that  time  by  impediments  of  weather. 

That  the  next  day  we  had  an  interview  with  them  on  the  business 
of  our  Commission ;  in  which  they  immediately  objected  to  our 
powers,  as  not  extending  to  the  purposes  they  had  in  view — declared 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  139 

the  object  of  our  meeting  had  been  misunderstood,  and  after  a  short 
conversation,  put  an  end  to  the  conference. 

That  their  intention,  as  communicated  to  us,  was — that  the  ex- 
change of  each  of  their  officers  should  necessarily  involve  the  ex- 
change of  a  certain  number  of  their  privates  also  ;  and  consequently 
that  the  whole  of  our  officers,  prisoners  in  their  hands,  should  be 
exchanged  for  a  part  only  of  the  officers  of  the  Convention  troops, 
with  a  proportion  of  private  men  to  discharge  the  balance  in  their 
favour ;  whereas  the  line  of  conduct  prescribed  to  us,  both  by  the 
resolution  of  Congress  and  your  Excellency's  powers  founded 
thereon,  was,  "that  officers  of  equal  rank  should  be  first  exchanged, 
after  which,  if  it  should  be  necessary,  an  equivalent  of  inferior  for 
superior  officers ;  and  if  agreably  to  that  equivalent  all  the  officers 
of  the  Enemy  should  be  exchanged,  and  a  balance  of  Prisoners  re- 
main in  their  hands,  then  an  equivalent  of  privates  was  to  be  settled, 
according  to  the  Customary  proportion  or  such  proportion  as  might 
be  agreed  on." 

That  the  British  Commissioners  in  the  course  of  the  Conference 
having  urged  certain  inconveniences,  which  in  their  opinion  would 
result  from  the  Separation  of  all  the  Officers  of  the  Convention 
troops  from  the  men,  by  a  general  exchange, — in  order  effectually  to 
obviate  that  objection,  we  thought  ourselves  authorized  by  our  in- 
structions to  make  them  an  offer,  which  we  accordingly  made,  to 
exchange  whatever  part  of  the  Convention  Officers,  they  might  think 
Proper  for  an  equal  number  of  our  officers  in  their  possession  of 
equal  rank,  as  far  as  the  relative  state  of  numbers  would  permit. 
This  proposal,  however,  they  totally  declined. 

That  after  the  Interview,  we  received  a  Letter  from  the  British 
Commissioners  Containing  reasons,  which  they  had  before  Assigned 
verbally,  for  their  refusal  to  conduct  the  negotiation  on  the  terms 
proposed  in  our  instructions ;  a  copy  of  which  letter  and  of  our  An- 
swer, we  beg  leave  to  Subjoin  for  Your  Excellency's  perusal. 

LETTER    FROM   THE   BRITISH    COMMISSIONERS. 

Dated,  Amboy,  12th  Deer  1778. 
Gentlemen : 

We  cannot  sufficiently  lament  that  the  purposes  of  our  Meeting, 
you  will  pardon  us  for  observing,  have  been  defeated  by  a  less  Gen- 


140         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

erous  and  Extensive  construction  of  the  Resolves  of  the  Congress  of 
the  19^  Nov?  than  the  view  in  which  we  had  considered  them. 

Every  feeling  of  Honour,  Justice  and  Humanity  make  it  impossible 
to  acquiese  in  a  proposal  which  might  lead  to  separate  the  Officers 
from  the  private  soldiers,  by  exchanging  the  former  and  leaving  the 
latter  still  in  Captivity.  Companions  in  their  More  fortunate  hours, 
they  Must  be  equally  sharers  of  affliction.  Such  Cruel  and  Unpre- 
cedented distinctions,  between  Men  who  have  equally  a  claim  upon 
the  favour  &  Protection  of  their  Country,  We  are  certain  your  own 
feelings,  as  officers  and  men,  would  condemn — You  will  consequently 
not  be  surprised  at  the  impossibility  of  our  acquiescing  in  the  partial 
mode  of  Exchange  proposed. 

We  beg  leave  therefore  to  acquaint  you,  that  We  intend  returning 
to  New  York  to  morrow  to  make  our  Report  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton. 
Let  us  flatter  ourselves  that  some  expedient  may  be  immediately 
embraced  by  both  Parties,  upon  Such  Honourable  Humane  &  Disin- 
terested Principles  as  may  give  the  most  speedy  and  ample  Relief  to 
every  Order  of  Unfortunate  men  concerned. 

We  are,  Gentlemen,  Your  most  obedient  humble  Servants 

Cha?  O'Hara 
West  Hyde. 


ANSWER   TO   THE    FOREGOING   LETTER. 

Amboy,  Decern'  12th,  1778. 
Gentlemen  : 

We  have  read  the  Letter  with  which  you  were  pleased  to  favour 
us  this  afternoon. 

We  join  with  you  in  lamenting  that  the  purpose  of  our  meeting 
has  been  frustrated ;  and  we  assure  you,  that  it  is  to  us  Matter  of 
equal  concern  and  surprise  to  find,  that  there  should  be  a  difference 
in  our  respective  Constructions  of  the  Resolve  to  which  you  refer. — 
Persuaded  as  we  were,  that  the  terms  of  that  Resolve  were  too  sim- 
ple and  precise  to  admit  of  more  than  one  interpretation ;  we  did 
not  even  suspect  it  possible  to  differ  about  its'  meaning ;  and  the 
objects  of  our  meeting  having  been  delineated,  in  a  manner  which 
appeared  to  us  perfectly  clear  &  explicit,  we  had  no  expectation  of 
the  difficulty  which  has  occurred  in  carrying  them  into  execution. 

You  will  not  be  Surprised  that  this  should  have  been  the  Case, 
when  you  recur  to  the  circumstances  that  produced  our  meeting — 
We  beg  leave  to  recall  them  to  your  view.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in 
his  Letter  of  the  iol.h  of  Nov?  proposed  to  General  Washington  an 
exchange  of  our  officers  prisoners  in  his  hands,  for  officers  &  men  of 
the  Convention  troops — General  Washington  replied  that  he  did  not 
think  himself  authorized  to  accede  to  the  proposal,  but  would  refer 
it  to  Congress,  and  communicate  their  decision.     In  a  subsequent 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  141 

letter  of  the  27!11  he  transmitted  the  Resolve  in  question  as  an 
"  Answer  to  the  proposition  contained  in  Sir  Henry's  letter  of  the 
io':h,"  at  the  Same  time  announcing  our  appointment  as  Commis- 
sioners "  to  negotiate  an  exchange  on  the  principles  therein  men- 
tioned"— The  language  of  the  Resolve  was  litterally  this — to 
exchange  "  the  officers  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  prisoners 
in  the  actual  possession  of  the  Enemy  or  out  on  parole  for  the  offi- 
cers and  men  of  the  Troops  of  the  Convention,  according  to  their 
rank  &  number :  Officers  of  equal  rank  to  be  first  exchanged,  after 
which  if  it  shall  be  necessary  an  equivalent  of  inferior  for  superior 
officers,  and  if  agreably  to  such  equivalent  All  the  officers  of  the 
Enemy  shall  be  exchanged  and  a  balance  of  prisoners  remain  in 
their  hands,  then  an  Equivalent  of  privates  shall  be  settled  according 
to  the  customary  proportion  or  such  proportion  as  may  be  agreed 
on."  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in  his  Letter  of  the  2^  Instant  acknowl- 
edged the  receipt  of  the  foregoing  and  consented  "  in  consequence  " 
to  a  meeting  of  Commissioners  at  the  time  and  place  appointed. 

This,  Gentleman,  you  will  be  sensible  could  not  be  considered  by 
us  otherwise  than  as  an  acquiescence  with  the  terms  of  the  Resolve ; 
and  we  appeal  to  your  own  candor  for  their  perspicuity  and  natural 
import. — It  Could  not  therefore  but  appear  strange,  that  at  first 
Sight  of  our  powers,  without  any  comment  or  explanation,  though 
they  were  expressed  not  only  in  the  spirit  but  in  the  letter  of  the 
Resolve  ;  You  at  once  objected  to  them  and  declared  the  purpose  of 
our  meeting  had  been  Misunderstood.  As  the  one  was  only  a  tran- 
script of  the  other,  we  conceived  from  the  manner  in  which  the 
objection  was  raised,  that  it  applied  not  to  any  construction  given  to 
the  Resolve  ;  but  to  the  Resolve  itself. 

How  far  the  feelings  of  honor,  justice  and  humanity  may  be 
repugnant  to  a  Compliance  with  the  proposal  which  has  been  made, 
you  only  can  determine  for  yourselves ;  though  we  think  it  a  ques- 
tion which  might  have  merited  an  earlier  consideration.  We  believe 
however  it  is  not  very  customary  to  exchange  Officers  for  privates, 
when  there  is  a  sufficient  number  of  Officers  on  both  sides  to  ex- 
change for  each  other ;  but  that  this  is  rather  a  secondary  expedient, 
made  use  of  only  when  there  are  officers  on  one  side  and  none  on 
the  other.  In  the  present  war  the  practice  of  exchanging  officers  for 
private  men,  in  any  case  whatever,  has  not  yet  been  known ;  and  if 
exchanges  conducted  without  reference  to  this  principle  have  here- 
tofore been  thought  consistent  with  justice  and  humanity,  we  can 
perceive  no  sufficient  reason  why  a  different  opinion  should  be  enter- 
tained at  this  time. 

With  respect  to  any  inconveniences  which  you  think  might  attend 
the  exchanging  all  the  officers  of  the  Convention  troops — we  take 
the  liberty  to  repeat  what  we  mentioned  in  our  interview  this 
Morning — that  we  are  willing  to  exchange  as  many  of  them  as  you 


142        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

may  judge  proper  for  others  of  equal  rank  as  far  as  numbers  will 
extend. 

We  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  we  should  be  happy  to  be  af- 
forded an  opportunity  of  concurring  with  you  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power  in  Measures  for  extending  relief,  as  far  as  the  circumstances 
of  the  parties  will  permit,  to  every  order  of  captivity,  on  principles 
of  humanity  and  mutual  Advantage. 

We  are  Gentlemen  Y*  Most  Obedient  Humble  Servants 

Rob.  H.  Harrison 
Alex.  Hamilton. 

This  put  an  end  to  the  business  of  our  meeting,  and  we  have  taken 
the  earliest  opportunity  to  return  to  Camp  and  report  our  proceed- 
ings to  your  Excellency ;  which  we  hope  will  meet  with  your  appro- 
bation.* Rob.  H.  Harrison 

Alex.  Hamilton. 


FROM   LEWIS    PINTARD. 

N.York,  18  Deer  ,1778. 
Dr    Sir: 

MT.  Loring  &  the  Commissioners  are  returned  without  doing  any- 
thing towards  the  Exchange.  I  have  seen  the  former,  and  he  says 
the  American  Commissioners  would  only  exchange  officers  &  not 
privates.  The  British  insisted  on  a  proportion  of  each  &  they  have 
parted,  so  that  all  your  hopes  of  a  speedy  exchange  are  come  to 
nothing,  which  I  am  very  sorry  for,  but  there  is  no  other  remedy 
than  the  old  one  of  Patience.  I  have  not  yet  got  leave  to  furnish 
the  cash  to  the  officers.  Lord  Roddon  [Rawdon]  has  referred  the 
matter  to  Ml  Loring,  on  my  calling  on  him  yesterday  about  it,  he 
promised  to  see  his  Lordship  &  give  me  an  answer  this  day,  which  I 
have  not  yet  got,  altho  :  I  have  been  five  times  for  it  myself.     A 

*  "As  an  exchange  has  not  been  effected,  and  Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  called  for 
all  our  officers  on  parole,  I  shall,  in  consequence  of  the  resolution  of  the  19th  ulto., 
order  the  Commissary  of  Prisoners  to  require  the  immediate  return  of  the  Conven- 
tion and  any  other  officers  with  the  Enemy  on  parole.  I  do  not  mean,  however* 
to  include  General  Burgoyne  in  the  demand,  unless  Congress  should  direct  it;  as 
there  appear  to  be  many  political  reasons  for  permitting  him  to  remain  in  Britain 
in  his  present  temper.  But  if  Congress  should  differ  from  me  in  opinion  on  this 
point,  I  shall  be  happy  to  be  informed,  that  measures  may  be  pursued  for  his  re- 
call."—  Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  16  December,  1778. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  143 

Number  of  the  Country  People  have  been  to  Town  this  day  for  their 
Board  &  were  obliged  to  return  without  their  money — the  officer 
appointed  to  attend  the  payment  of  the  money  being  busy  &  could 
not  attend. 

With  Compliments  to  all,  I  am,  Dr.  Sr.  , 
Y1;3  Affectionately 

L.  Pintard. 


FROM  JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  19  December,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  am  sorry  its  not  in  my  power  to  give  you  any  encouragement  in 
regard  to  a  general  exchange,  the  Commissioners  having  disagreed 
in  the  very  first  proposition  made  by  us,  which  was  to  have  a  pro- 
portion of  privates  with  our  officers,  and  which  could  not  be  assented 
to  on  your  part  from  a  resolve  of  Congress  which  was  to  be  implic- 
itly adhered  to ;  this  being  the  case,  we  parted  without  doing  the 
least  business.  As  to  your  obtaining  leave  to  go  home  on  parole,  I 
think  it  impracticable,  well  knowing  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  resolution 
not  to  let  an  officer  go  out,  until  those  return  that  are  already  out ; 
and  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  not  one  has  come  in  yet,  notwith- 
standing they  have  been  summoned  a  long  time  since.  Whenever  it 
is  in  my  power  to  serve  you,  be  assured  of  my  attention.  Col. 
Beatty  has  not  yet  sent  anything  for  you.  Whenever  he  does,  it 
shall  be  taken  care  of,  and  you  made  acquainted.  I  did  not  get  one 
of  your  papers  while  I  was  out.  The  first  I  have  I  will  send  you.  I 
am,  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  &  most  humble  serv* 

Jos.  Loring.* 


COLONEL  BEATTY  TO   GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Elizabeth  Town,  3d  January,  1779. 
Sir: 

On  my  arrival  at  this  place  with  a  view  of  negotiating  the  ex- 
change of  a  number  of  marine  prisoners,  I  am  prohibited  by  the 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  236. 


i44         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Commanding  officer  at  this  post  of  conducting  my  business  in  the 
usual  manner,  but  am  informed  that  previous  to  my  sending  in  any 
prisoners,  it  is  necessary  that  I  should  have  a  particular  and  special 
order  from  your  Excellency  for  that  purpose.  As  this  mode  of  pro- 
cedure was  entirely  new  and  for  which  I  had  received  no  warrant  or 
instructions,  I  took  the  liberty  of  asking  General  Maxwell  whether 
the  order  implied  in  it  the  exchange  of  prisoners,  or  was  meant  only 
to  prevent  the  too  frequent  passing  of  private  persons,  and  by  which 
an  intercourse  was  kept  up  with  the  enemy.  He  replied  the  pro- 
hibition was  general,  and  that  he  could  by  no  means  admit  of  Pris- 
oners going  in  as  hitherto  upon  my  pass,  but  that  it  was  necessary  I 
should  have  your  Excellency's  special  order. 

As  a  number  of  prisoners  are  now  on  their  way  from  Phil?  for  New 
York,  and  the  General  has  refused  them  quarters  in  this  place,  I  am 
to  request  your  Excellency's  immediate  Instructions  in  this  case, 
setting  forth  the  line  of  conduct  I  am  in  future  to  pursue.* 

I  am  &c. 

Jn?  Beatty 

P.  S.  The  necessitous  call  of  the  prisoners  at  N.  York  for  an  im- 
mediate supply  of  provisions  for  their  support  urges  me  to  apply  for 
your  Excellency's  passport  for  that  purpose. 

*  Washington  wrote  to  Congress  to  prescribe  a  proper  line  of  conduct  for 
Colonel  Beatty  to  pursue,  suggesting  the  following  points :  "  To  reside  at  the 
Head-Quarters  of  the  army.  To  make  no  exchanges  but  such  as  are  directed  by 
the  Congress,  the  Board  of  War,  or  the  Commander-in-chief,  (the  directions  of 
the  two  former  to  pass  through  the  hands  of  the  latter;)  and,  whenever  he  has 
occasion  to  send  a  Flag  into  the  enemy's  lines  with  provisions  for  prisoners,  or 
any  other  business,  to  make  application  to  the  Commander-in-chief,  who  will  judge 
of  the  cause  and  the  propriety  in  point  of  time.  The  exclusive  privilege  which 
Mr.  Beatty  seems  to  require,  of  regulating  the  intercourse  by  flag,  both  with  re- 
gard to  the  object  and  the  time  of  sending  them,  astonishes  me.  It  would  give 
him  powers,  which  no  Commissary  of  Prisoners  has  ever  yet  been  vested  with. 
They  must  be  dangerous,  and  certainly  are  unnecessary,  as  the  Commissary  can 
have  no  business  in  the  course  of  his  office,  with  which  the  Commander-in-chief 
ought  to  be  unacquainted."     n  January,  1779. 

Congress  confirmed  these  suggestions  by  the  resolutions  printed  in  the  Jour- 
nals, 23  January,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  145 

GENERAL  PHILLIPS   TO    GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Sussex  in  the  Jerseys, 

6  January,  1779. 
SIR: 

I  have  received  at  this  place  your  letter  dated  from  Philadelphia 
of  December  the  25^  for  which  and  allowing  Lieutenant  Campbell 
going  to  New  York  I  return  you,  Sir,  my  very  sincere  thanks. 

I  lament  from  the  bottom  of  my  heart  at  there  being  so  little 
likelihood  of  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners  of  war,  the  cause  of  humanity 
is  deeply  interested  in  it,  and  the  injury  both  sides  receive  should 
urge  the  real  and  good  intentions  of  both  parties  to  endeavour  at 
procuring  a  mutual  release  of  officers  and  soldiers  who  by  an  unlucky 
chance  of  war  are  separated  from  their  friends  and  Country. 

I  cannot  help  being  of  the  opinion  that  the  methods  already 
adopted  have  failed  from  want  of  explanation,  and  the  Commission- 
ers who  have  met  may  possibly  have  been  over  tenacious  of  punctilio 
and  forgot  that  in  treating  of  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners,  they  were  to 
consult  the  feelings  of  humanity  and  not  those  of  pride,  however  well 
founded  on  either  side,  and  that  a  number  of  articles  in  strict  form 
might  be  passed  over  for  the  advantage  of  a  common  good. 

I  view  the  resolves  of  the  American  Congress  for  suffering  ex- 
changes upon  a  general  plan,  as  perfectly  leading  to  real  advantage, 
but  the  locality  and  particularity  of  the  Troops  of  Convention  as- 
suredly requires  a  modulation  of  that  resolve  which  the  Commission- 
ers have  not  perhaps  attended  to.  In  a  number  of  Prisoners  of  War 
made  at  large  it  is  very  easy  to  exchange  them  upon  a  general  plan 
and  each  Officer  returns  to  his  Corps  or  Regiment,  but  the  Troops 
of  Convention  are  differently  circumstanced,  for  the  Corps  and  Reg- 
iments being  actually  included  in  the  situation  of  the  Officers,  these 
latter  being  exchanged  have  no  place  to  resort  to  and  their  military 
stations  would  be  as  effectually  lost  as  now  when  they  are  under  the 
restriction  of  a  Convention,  and  it  becomes  therefore  of  unavoidable 
necessity  that  to  promote  or  suffer  an  exchange,  some  method  must 
be  fallen  upon  to  release  whole  corps,  officers  and  men.  This  might 
be  done  by  an  exchange  of  all  the  American  officers  who  are  prison- 
ers of  war  for  their  value  in  officers  and  men  of  the  Troops  of  Con- 
vention, and  for  the  rest  to  remain  until  a  second  opportunity,  should 
such  arrive,  or  to  be  released  by  ransom,  paying  a  stipulated  sum  in 


146         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

specie  for  each  rank  as  might  be  agreed  on  by  persons  chosen  for 
the  purpose  on  both  sides. 

I  really  imagine  that  a  conversation  on  this  subject  might  lead  to 
a  favourable  conclusion,  and  so  far  is  certain  that  a  mere  conversa- 
tion need  nor  can  lead  to  nothing  unless  the  American  Congress  on 
the  one  part  and  Sir  Henry  Clinton  on  the  other  should  permit  a 
negotiation  to  take  place  after  such  conversation  had  passed. 

I  freely  offer  myself  to  you,  Sir,  on  the  occasion,  and  will  meet  any 
officer  sent  by  your  Excellency  and  talk  over  with  him  this  matter  so 
very  interesting  to  us  all ;  as  this  will  not  be  treaty  or  negotiation,  I 
waive  every  punctilio  about  rank  in  your  officer  and  wish  to  meet  as 
gentleman  and  gentleman,  and  if  we  have  the  good  fortune  to  throw 
any  lights  on  what  may  be  judged  the  intentions  of  the  American 
Congress,  and  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  it  may  result  into  a  meeting  of 
Commissioners,  who  having  their  path  smoothed  it  will  probably 
make  their  interview  of  effect. 

I  am  well  aware,  Sir,  that  you  cannot  enter  into  my  views  without 
the  previous  consent  of  the  Congress,  and  I  request  to  leave  you  at 
full  liberty  of  making  this  correspondence  known  to  them  to  whom 
I  should  address  myself  without  hesitation  did  I  not  suppose  your 
Excellency  to  be  the  proper  channel  in  a  military  matter. 

I  will  own  to  you  a  very  strong  desire  of  visiting  New  York,  and  I 
enclose  you  a  letter  for  the  President  of  the  American  Congress,  and 
will  request,  if  you  think  it  proper  that  you  will  allow  the  Deputy 
Adjutant  General  to  the  Troops  of  Convention  to  deliver  it  to  the 
President. 

I  shall  pursue  my  route  to  Bethlem  and  there  wait  the  return  of 
the  Deputy  Adjutant  General  who  will  have  the  honor  of  delivering 
this  letter  to  your  Excellency. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  with  great  personal  respect,  Your 
Excellency's  most  obedient  and 

most  humble  servant 

W.  Phillips. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  147 

FROM   JOSEPH    WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  14  January,  1779. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

I  Rec4  yours  pr.  Mr.s  Coffin  &  observe  the  Contents  about  the 
Hay ;  at  that  time  I  expected  a  Cartel  wou'd  have  been  settled. 
After  I  found  the  prospect  was  over,  I  sent  to  the  Governor  who 
has  sent  me  permission  to  send  you  in  one  Ton  of  Hay,  one  Barrel 
flour,  &  some  little  necessarys  to  make  you  more  comfortable.  I  am 
afraid  M^  Loring  thinks  odd  of  Col?  Ely,  Cap1.  Bulkley  &  Ensign 
Mumford's*  not  returning  sooner,  but  you'll  please  to  acquaint  him 
that  they  never  heard  of  it  untill  the  i2t.h  Instant,  which  gives  them 
much  uneasiness  for  fear  of  Censure :  they  are  now  preparing  to  go, 
tho  poor  Buckley  has  met  with  a  sad  Misfortune,  a  Hhd  of  Salt  fell 
upon  one  of  his  feet,  which  has  laid  him  up  for  a  long  while,  but  is 
so  far  recover'd  as  to  determine  to  go  in  immediately.  I  believe 
they'll  endeavor  to  carry  in  about  a  Br.  of  flour  a  man — perhaps 
some  Cyder,  Wine  &  Spirits  etc.  I  wish  you'd  speak  to  the  Com- 
missary for  his  permission.  Col.  Heart  tells  them  it  will  be  seized 
as  being  Counterband,  &  against  the  Rules  of  Flags. — I  can't  think 
a  single  Objection  will  arise  on  the  subject,  when  they  know  its 
going  only  to  the  Prisoners'  relief — without  the  least  fraud — I  have 
told  them  the  British  wou'd  not  be  guilty  of  it  &  affirmed  to  them 
that  they  might  carry  those  little  Necessaries  without  the  least  Dam- 
age or  Danger  of  either  Side — for  I  well  know  I  was  suffer'd  to  bring 
out  Porter,  Wine,  Cheese,  etc.  etc.,  to  their  Officers  Prisoners — but 
however  I  wish  Mr.  Loring  to  send  a  Line  out  to  Col?  Eno  by  the 
first  OppY  with  his  permission  for  those  Necessaries,  subject  to  his 
inspection,  or  an  Officer  that  he  thinks  proper  after  the  things  arrive 
at  New  York. 

If  a  good  Opp*.  offers  wou'd  it  not  be  well  to  send  your  Carriage 
&  Horses  out  to  save  any  Great  Expense?  S[ilas]  D[eane]  is  yet 
at  Philadelphia  in  a  paper  war  with  Common  Nonsense  [Thomas 
Paine],  bally  &  Hetty  are  at  Boston — the  same  privateer  that  took 
the  Harriet  packet  we  are  told  has  taken  the  Eagle  Packet  from 
New  York  with  a  Number  of  British  Officers,  which  Officers,  except 

*  Ensign  Mumford  was  exchanged  at  New  York,  and  did  not  therefore  return 
into  New  York  a  prisoner. 


148        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

what  few  was  kill'd,  are  landed  in  Spain  to  a  British  Consul,  &  his 
Rec*  to  deliver  General  Washington  as  many  American  Officers  of 
the  same  Rank  [taken].*  Poor  Col?  Howard  of  the  Guards  was 
killed — The  Eagle  on  the  passage  to  Newberry  Port  was  retaken. — 
Pray  how  many  Officers  of  the  Rank  of  Colonels  are  before  you  in 
the  line  of  rotation  ?  I  wish  if  consistant  you  wou'd  give  me  a  List  of 
Connecticut  Officers  now  Prisoners  with  you,  the  Date  &  the  partic- 
ulars— by  Ely,  Buckley  &  Mumford  I  shall  write  you.     Adieu,  says, 

Your  affectionate  B\ 

Jos :  Webb. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT   COLONEL  BAYLOR. 

.? 

New  York,  January  i6*h,  1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  received  your  very  polite  favor  of  yesterday — and  I  can  with 
great  sincerity  say  that  I  shall  be  equally  happy  to  see  you,  but 
lament  the  cause  of  our  meeting. 

I  with  pleasure  tell  you  that  I  have  got  permission  to  go  to  Vir- 
ginia, this  indulgence  is  allow'd  me  on  account  of  my  invalid  state 
of  health — be  assured  that  I  will  not  leave  this  place  without  paying 
you  a  visit,  unless  I  am  prohibited.  My  compliments  you  will 
please  to  offer  to  all  our  Friends. 

I  am  my  D?  sir  your 

Friend  &  affec*.  Hble  Servant, 
George  Baylor,  f 

*  "  Perusing  your  Brother's  letters  by  M>  Townly,  I  observe  no  mention  to 
have  been  made  of  your  Exchange  proposed  by  your  worthy  Brother-in-law  Mr. 
Barrell ;  who  wrote  his  Excellency  Gen\  Washington,  requesting  your  Exchange 
for  a  Gentleman  of  the  British  Army;  who  was  taken  in  one  of  the  outward 
bound  Packets  from  New  York,  and  carried  into  some  Foreign  Port;  by  a  Priva- 
teer belonging  to  Mess.  Barrell  &  Co.  The  Capt  of  the  Privateers  d[elivere]d 
them  (I  think  six  in  Number  of  different  Ranks)  to  one  of  the  British  Ambassa- 
dors at  a  Foreign  Court  &  took  his  recpt  for  them  as  Exchangeable  in  America; 
which  Recp't  has  come  to  hand  &  forward  to  His  Excellency  Genl  Washington, 
for  that  purpose."    Nathan  Frink  to  Colonel  Webb,  1  February,  1779. 

f  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  149 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PHILLIPS  TO  GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Bethlem,  Saturday,  Jany  16,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  have  waited  in  anxious  expectation  of  answers  to  my  letters  sen* 
by  the  Deputy  Adjutant  General  of  the  Troops  of  the  Convention, 
but  your  Excellency  not  leaving  Philadelphia  so  soon  as  expected, 
and  my  officer  not  being  permitted  to  go  on  to  that  Capital  has 
created  a  delay  which  has  occasioned  my  waiting  here  some  days. 

Since  I  have  been  at  Bethlem  I  have  seen  and  read  a  Philadelphia 
Newspaper  reciting  the  Report  made  by  your  officers  of  their  Con- 
ference with  Colonels  O'Hara  and  Stephens.  Had  I  seen  it  before 
I  believe  I  should  not  have  troubled  you  with  any  overtures  on  my 
part,  and  yet  I  protest  it  to  be  my  opinion  that  I  have  not  a  doubt 
that  the  American  Congress  will  see  the  absolute  necessity  of  allow- 
ing exchanges  of  complete  corps  of  the  Troops  of  Convention,  if 
they  mean  really  to  promote  or  agree  to  any  exchange,  and  upon 
any  other  condition  there  can  be  none,  for  it  is  obvious  that  a  Cartel 
upon  the  resolution  of  Congress  taken  literally  renders  all  your 
officers  into  a  free  and  full  activity  of  service,  whereas  the  Officers  of 
the  Troops  of  Convention  would  gain  a  change  of  place  only,  but  be 
equally  lost  to  the  service  as  at  present,  the  corps  to  which  they  be- 
long being  still  detained.  Under  this  description  there  needs  not 
any  interposition  of  a  superior  power,  for  the  officers  have  too  high 
a  sense  of  honor  to  desire  to  quit  their  corps  in  the  moment  of  dis- 
tress, and  therefore  would  not  wish  to  be  exchanged  partially. 

To  exchange  by  ransom  would  effect  the  whole  business  to  a 
mutual  benefit  by  a  general  release.  I  am  ready  to  enter  into  a 
negotiation  upon  that  Plan.     *     *     * 

W.  Phillips. 


FROM   EDMUND    SEAMAN. 

N.  York,  Jany  23,  1779. 
Ml  Edm<?  Seaman's  respectful  Comp1;5  to  Col.  Webb  &  has  sent 
him  under  cover  a  Phil?  Paper  of  21^  Ult?  just  rec<?  by  Miss  Schem- 
erhorn  from  Morris  Town,  containing  a  Piece  under  the  Signature  of 
"Plain  Truth,"  being  Strictures  on  the  address  of  Common  Sense  to 
M*  Deane,  which  he  thinks  a  very  candid,  masterly  &  unanswerable 


1 5o         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Performance,  much  to  M*  Dearie's  Credit  &  highly  exposing  the 
Author  of  Common  Sense,  which  its  more  than  probable  Col.  Webb 
has  already  been  furnished  with,  as  its  of  an  old  Date,  however 
should  he  not,  it  will  give  Mr.  Seaman  Pleasure  in  sending  the  Col. 
any  Papers  that  have  a  Tendency  to  remove  the  Prejudices  that  have 
been  attempted  to  be  raised  against  the  character  of  a  Gentleman  so 
nearly  related  to  him  as  M*  Deane.  M^  Seaman  was  extremely 
mortified  that  he  happened  not  at  Home  when  the  Col.  was  kind 
enough  to  call  &  see  him  when  last  in  Town,  &  hopes  the  next  Time 
he  will  not  be  deprived  of  that  Happiness.  The  Ladies  join  in 
CompV5  to  you. 


FROM    CAPTAIN   JAMES   HERON. 

E[lizabeth]  Town,  Jany  24th,  1779. 
My  dear  Col  : 

I  applied  to  Gen1.  Maxwell  as  you  directed,  but  without  success — 
he  has,  however,  given  me  his  word  that  he  will  write  Instantly  to 
Gen'l  Washington  for  his  approbation,  &  in  case  his  permission  can 
be  got,  I  have  left  directions  to  Col :  Beatty  to  purchase  some  flour, 
&ca,  &  send  it  in  for  your  use.  be  assured  I  shall  leave  nothing  un- 
done to  serve  a  friend  I  so  much  esteem.  Neither  Beatty  nor  any 
of  his  assistants  are  here  at  present,  nor  is  there  any  supplies  of 
money  left  here  to  carry  us  to  our  different  destinations  (cursed 
usage).  I've  met  with  Major  Jiles  here,  whose  horses  &  servant  I 
get  to  carry  me  the  length  of  Philada,  where  I  hope  I  shall  do  myself 
the  pleasure  of  delivering  your  Letter. 

You  may  expect  a  Line  from  me  as  I  pass  through  this  to  join  the 
Reg1.  ,  which  I  understand  are  at  Danb?  this  is  a  cursed  place  & 
I'm  ready  to  quarrel  with  everything  &  everybody — so  not  being  in 
a  humour  to  write  I  must  bid  you  adieu.  My  Comp1.5  to  Mr.  C's 
Family,  the  Ladys,  &c,  &c. 

I  am,  My  Dear  Col :  with  the  greatest  Esteem  &  friendship  yours 

J.  Heron. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  151 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PHILLIPS  TO  GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Lancaster,  February  1st,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  last  night  received  by  express  your  Excellency's  letters  of  the 
26^  and  30*  of  January,  as,  also,  the  letter  from  the  President  of  the 
American  Congress  and  the  Resolve  of  that  body  on  my  subject. 

I  have  been  delayed  at  this  place  unavoidably,  but  the  Susque- 
hanna is  now  open  and  I  shall  pursue  my  journey  to  Virginia. 

You  are  pleased  to  mention,  Sir,  in  your  letter  of  the  26l.h  of  Jan- 
uary that 

"respecting  a  conference  intended  to  serve  as  a  basis  for  a  final 
negociation  of  the  Exchange  of  the  Convention  Troops,  you  (that  is 
I)  have  withdrawn." 

I  must  take  a  liberty  of  observing  on  this  that  you  surely  Sir,  have 
misconceived  me.  I  made  the  proposition  which  was  refused  by 
you  in  a  letter  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  from  you  dated  the  25* 
December,  1778,  from  Philadelphia,  and  Lord  Stirling  in  a  letter  to 
me  from  Middlebrook  of  January  1 7*,  an  extract  of  which  I  enclose, 
confirms  the  refusal. 

I  have  been  uniform  in  my  wishes  and  attempt  to  exchange  the 
Troops  of  Convention,  or  to  procure  their  release  by  ransom,  and  I 
am  still  desirous  of  such  an  event.     *     *     *  W.  Phillips. 

[extract.] 

I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  your  letter  of  the  6*.h  by  your  Deputy 
Adjutant  General.  The  uncertainty  of  General  Washington's  return 
to  this  place,  and  the  route  by  which  he  would  come  from  Philadel- 
phia induced  me  to  persuade  Mr.  Bibby  to  remain  here  while  I 
should  communicate  his  business  by  letter  to  General  Washington. 
I  late  last  night  received  his  Excellency's  answer.  I  find  he  is  still 
of  opinion  that  no  good  can  possibly  result  from  any  negotiation  on 
the  subject  of  an  exchange  of  the  Convention  Troops.  The  pro- 
posal of  exchanging  whole  corps  of  officers  and  men  together  was  a 
point  urged  by  the  British  Commissioners  at  Amboy,  and  was  ob- 
jected to  by  ours  as  impossible  and  inconsistent  with  the  power 
vested  in  them.  These  sentiments  have  since  been  confirmed  by 
Congress.  Stirling. 


152         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   COLONEL   BAYLOR. 

Thursday  Morning  [4  February,  1779.] 
Dear  Webb  : 

Agreeable  to  your  request  I  coppyed  your  letter  to  Gov?  Franklin 
last  evening  and  waited  on  him  this  morning  with  it,  and  from  what 
he  tells  me,  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  that  you  will  have  leave 
to  go  to  Philadelphia,  but  from  his  conversation  I  fancy  you  will  not 
be  indulged  to  remain  out  any  time.  He  is  to  give  an  answer  on 
Saturday  morning,  if  it  is  to  me  I  will  [send]  it  express  to  you,  and 
wait  with  pleasure  for  your  good  company  to  Philadelphia,  if  you  are 
permitted  to  go  out,  which  I  natter  myself  you  certainly  will.  I  shall 
take  out  a  carriage  and  Horses. 

My  compliments  to  Van  Fitz  &  all  others.     Excuse  haste. 

Yours  &c 

George  Baylor. 


TO    GENERAL    CLINTON. 

[February,  1779.] 
To  his  Excellency  *• 

Sir  Henry  Clinton,  K.  B. 

Commander  in  Chief  of  His  Britannic  Majesty's  forces  in 
North  America. 

The  Memorial  of  sundry  Officers  of  the  American 
Army,  Prisoners  of  War  on  Long  Island,  on  behalf  of 
themselves  and  others 

Most  respectfully  sheweth : 

That  a  Memorial  has  been  drawn  up  and  signed  by 
all  the  Officers  Prisoners  on  Long  Island  addressed  to 
the  Honb.le  the  Continental  Congress,  purporting  an 
earnest  desire  that  a  general  Exchange  might  speedily 
be  concluded  on,  for  the  mutual  advantage  of  the  un- 
fortunate Captives  of  both  Armys 

For  the  more  speedy  effecting  so  desireable  a  pur- 
pose,  we  your   Memorialists   most   earnestly   request 


i&r   9**44        ^— ^^v__ 


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<us  s^/cr^~.  ^u^.  ^—  ^^—  ^^  ^ 


*~   ■  Ww 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  153 

that  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  permit  Col° 
Sam1.  B.  Webb  to  accompany  Col?  Baylor  to  Phil*  , 
there  to  remain  on  Parole  so  long  as  may  be  necessary 
to  present  and  enforce  the  above  mentioned  Memorial. 
And  your  Memorialists  as  in  Duty  bound  &c* 


FROM   JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  7  February,  1779. 
Sir:  # 

The  Commander  in  Chief  has  been  pleased  to  grant  you  permis- 
sion to  go  with  Col?  Baylor  to  Phil?  for  the  purpose  specified  in 
your  Memorial ;  this  therefore  will  be  your  sufficient  Pass  to  come 
to  New  York  as  soon  as  you  think  Proper — the  time  given  you  to 
return  in  is  six  weeks.f 

I  am  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  Humble  servant 

Jos*  Loring 

Com.  Genl  Pris? 


FROM   JAMES  WATSON. 

Weathersfield,  9  February,  1779. 
Dear  Colo  : 

I  am  happy  to  hear  that  a  prospect  of  your  being  exchanged  ap- 

*  In  the  script  of  Col.  Webb. 

f  I  have  no  record  of  the  date  on  which  Colonels  Webb  and  Baylor  set  out  from 
New  York,  but  it  is  to  be  presumed  they  did  almost  at  once.  On  the  back  of  a 
letter  received  when  in  Philadelphia,  Colonel  Webb  has  noted  the  dates  of  each 
Tuesday  from  February  9th  to  March  23d — just  six  weeks — and  added  "  22  March, 
1779,"  the  day  on  which  he  probably  expected  to  be  again  on  the  Island.  On 
February  10th,  he  made  sundry  purchases  in  New  York :  a  steel  hilted  sword,  a 
sword  knot,  belt  and  hook;  a  stick,  cane  strings,  and  stick  of  pomatum — articles 
needed  in  social  intercourse  in  Philadelphia.  Mrs.  and  Miss  Van  Home  sent  by 
him  some  letters  to  Miss  Livingston.  In  Philadelphia  Colonel  Webb  was  with 
General  Arnold,  and  attended  a  ball  given  at  the  City  Tavern.  Although  Col. 
Livingston  wrote  from  Middlebrook  on  the  20th  that  Colonel  Webb's  route  was 
to  Brunswick  and  not  to  Head  Quarters,  a  visit  must  have  been  paid  to  Head 
Quarters,  and  a  conversation  held  with  Washington  on  the  subject  of  prisoners. 
See  letter  from  Washington,  25  February,  1779,/^/. 


154         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

pears  so  promising.     Your  Friends  here  wish  as  earnestly  for  the 
arrival  of  that  happy  moment  as  you  possibly  can. 

I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  many  of  the  officers  of  the 
Reg*  this  Winter  who  are  universally  anxious  for  your  return  &  their 
impatience  is  the  best  proof  [of]  the  love  &  esteem  which  they  ever 
had  for  you. 

I  have  sent  you  a  few  papers,  and  should  acknowledge  it  as  a  par- 
ticular favor  if  you  could  return  some  of  the  New  York  papers  by  the 
Flagg.  I  am,  Sir,  with  the  greatest  esteem  &c 

J.  Watson. 


COLONEL   BEATTY  TO    GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Commissary  Prisoners'  Office 

24  February,  1779. 
Sir-: 

In  obedience  to  your  Excellency's  commands  of  yesterday,  I  beg 
leave  to  lay  before  you  the  following  state  of  facts,  relative  to  the 
situation  and  sustenance  of  the  marine  and  other  prisoners  now  with 
the  enemy. 

1  st.  That  there  are  at  present  with  the  enemy  about  258  prisoners 
of  war,  as  appears  from  Mr.  Pintard's  return  of  the  6th.  instant,  near 
200  of  whom  are  confined  on  board  the  prison  ship ;  the  remaining 
part  in  the  sugar  houses  and  Provost. 

2d.  That  the  allowance  issued  them  by  the  enemy  is  found  insuf- 
ficient to  support  them  under  their  captivity,  and  that  therefore 
Congress  and  the  Board  of  War  have  directed  that  further  supplies 
of  provisions  and  clothing  be  furnished  them  by  the  American  com- 
missary of  prisoners,  occasionally,  as  their  wants  may  demand. 

3d.  That  in  two  letters  received  from  the  agent  in  New  York, 
bearing  date  the  1st.  and  6th.  instant,  he,  therein,  makes  a  requisi- 
tion that  a  larger  and  more  uniform  supply  of  flour  and  beef  is 
necessary  to  answer  the  purposes  intended  by  the  above  resolves 
than  has  hitherto  been  furnished. 

4th.  That  in  his  issues  no  regard  has  been  paid  to  the  prisoners, 
whether  captured  on  board  Continental  armed  vessels,  State  priva- 
teers, letters  of  marque,  or  private  merchant  ships,  but  that  the  whole 
have  received  an  equal  portion  of  the  supplies  thus  furnished. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  155 

5th.  That  the  subjects  of  his  most  Christian  Majesty,  captured  by 
the  enemy,  have  by  order  of  his  Excellency  Mons.  Gerard,  been 
supplied  in  like  manner  with  the  American  prisoners,  he  (the  Sieur) 
becoming  accountable  for  such  issues. 

6th.  That  exact  and  distinct  accounts  are  kept  of  every  pound  of 
bread  and  beef  issued,  whether  to  French  or  American  Prisoners, 
and  receipts  taken  from  the  officer  or  other  most  distinguishable 
person  among  them. 

7th.  That  the  debt  thus  incurred  by  these  supplies  is  charged  to 
the  Continent  solely,  and  that  no  one  State  has,  at  any  time,  fur- 
nished their  respective  prisoners  with  either  provision  or  cloathing. 

To  these  facts  give  me  leave  to  add  the  disagreeable  and  critical 
state  I  am  in  with  regard  to  the  exchange  of  Naval  Prisoners,  having 
by  order  of  the  Marine  Committee  of  Congress,  in  July  '78,  pledged 
the  public  faith  to  Admiral  Gambier,  that  like  returns  should  be 
made  for  any  number  of  prisoners  he  should  land  at  Elizabeth  Town ; 
that  in  consequence  of  such  engagements  there  were  passed  over  to 
us  at  different  times,  seamen  to  the  amount  of  near  600  ;  that  returns 
for  about  400  only  have  been  made,  and  that  we  have  been  called 
upon  more  than  once  to  make  good  our  engagements;  that  from 
certain  resolves  of  Congress,  all  prisoners  who  shall  be  captured, 
either  by  private  armed  vessels  or  otherwise  thrown  in  upon  these 
coasts,  do  belong  to  such  States  as  they  shall  respectively  be  made 
prisoners  by,  to  be  disposed  of  in  exchange  for  those  only  of  that 
State,  when  so  taken.  That  few  or  no  continental  frigates  are  now 
cruising,  and  that  from  the  claims  of  the  different  States  no  pros- 
pect remains  of  our  ever  being  able  to  make  those  full  returns  prom- 
ised by  and  demanded  of  us ;  and  finally,  that  from  those  private, 
state  and  partial  exchanges,  great  confusion  and  irregularity  arises 
in  the  office.  I  am  therefore  to  request  your  Excellency  will  give 
me  such  further  instructions  and  directions  on  this  head,  as  are 
necessary,  more  especially  as  I  am  to  meet  the  British  naval  com- 
missary of  prisoners  next  week  to  adjust  and  settle  those  accounts. 

I  am,  &c, 

Jno.  Beatty. 


156        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

COLONEL   CHESTER  TO   ROYAL  FLINT. 

Wethersfield,  February  26,  1779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  last  week  return'?  from  Windham  County  Court,  where  I  have 
had  a  tryal  by  the  Judges  only  not  on  my  former  plea  of  not  Guilty 
but  on  another  which  I  obtain?  liberty  to  put  in,  in  the  room  of  it, 
viz*  a  plea  of  priviledge,  or  as  it  was  considered  a  Plea  in  abatement. 
My  Attorneys  argued  the  Case  very  ingeniously,  &  produced  a  mul- 
titude of  authorities  against  any  inferior  Jurisdiction  their  calling 
any  Member  to  account  for  words  spoken  in  Parliament,  or  Assem- 
bly in  free  debate.  The  members  in  both  Countries  had  been 
punished  very  severely  for  misconduct,  but  by  the  house  only. 
Some  have  been  reprimanded  on  their  Knees  at  the  barr  of  the 
house — others  fined — suspended — expelled — imprisoned  &c.  The 
lower  courts  have  ever  refused  hearing,  or  trying  Actions,  for  crimes, 
or  injuries  done  in  Parliament,  because  it  was  a  known,  &  Estab- 
lished principle,  that  no  member  was  accountable  out  of  parliament 
for  words  spoken  in  the  House.  The  derivation  of  the  word  Parlia- 
ment, seemed  to  be  much  to  my  Purpose,  from  the  French  Parler 
le  mont,  to  speak  one's  mind. 

The  attorneys  ag*  me  observ? ,  that  if  these  principles  were 
adopted,  no  person  was  secure  in  his  reputation,  and  that  the  house 
of  Assembly  would  soon  become  the  great  Theatre  of  slander  and 
defamation.  But  instead  of  producing  authorities  &  entering  into 
serious  argumentation,  they  went  into  a  popular  declamation  ag* 
English  Laws  &  Tyranny.  They  were  no  longer  a  guide  to  us. 
Thank  God  we  are  the  free  inhabitants  of  the  free  &  Independant 
State  of  Connecticut,  &c.  &c.  A  Great  Rabble  came  in  to  hear  the 
Pleas,  which  now  seemed  rather  addressed  to  their  Passions  than  to 
the  Judges.  However  the  next  day  we  were  told  that  the  Pleas  in 
abatement  were  insufficient.  This  obliged  me  to  appeal  to  the 
Superior  Court,  &  I  doubt  not  they  will  judge  differently  on  the 
Question.  If  they  do,  Johnson  shall  have  all  the  Chance  against  me 
he  can  wish ;  for  I  have  heretofore  told,  &  still  continue  to  tell  the 
story  in  all  Companies.  M*  [Titus]  Hosmer  &  a  number  of  my 
friends,  persuaded  me  to  alter  my  Plea,  which  at  first  thought  was 
against  my  inclination,  as  I  thought  it  would  be  mearly  shrinking 
from  a  Charge  which  I  was  convinced  I  was  able  to  support.     My 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  157 

friends  observed  that  duty  to  the  Publick,  and  to  the  rights  of  the 
house,  would  oblige  me  to  endeavor  to  prevent  the  pleading  so  bad 
a  precedent  in  future.  For  if  it  was  once  known  that  Members  were 
liable  to  be  prosecuted  before  the  Courts  of  Law,  for  doing  their 
duty  in  the  House,  in  free  debate,  no  person  would  dare  oppose  the 
greatest  villain  in  the  world  who  should  be  nominated  to  office,  un- 
less his  Crime  was  on  record,  since  if  he  did,  he  might  at  least  be 
called  to  a  remote  part  of  the  State,  &  put  to  the  Cost  of  proving 
what  he  had  said  to  be  true.  The  consequence  of  which  would  soon 
be,  that  every  person  nominated  must  pass  sub  silentio. 

However  I  will  not  rely  so  much  on  a  favorable  issue  on  the  pres- 
ent Question  before  the  Superior  Court  as  to  desist  in  my  endeavors 
to  be  ready  to  Meet  him  on  the  Merits,  but  shall  go  on  Collecting 
what  evidence  I  can  in  the  matter.  I  have  a  number  sworn  to  al- 
ready that  have  heard  Colonel  Webb  tell  the  story  very  much  as  I 
related  it  in  the  Assembly,  &  as  charged  in  the  declaration.  But  my 
Attorneys  fear  they  will  not  be  admitted,  as  they  are  mere  hearsay 
evidence.  The  deposition  you  favored  me  with,  is  the  best  I  have 
yet  been  able  to  obtain.  Cap*  Fitch  could  not  remember  so  partic- 
ularly, but  his  deposition  is  a  good  one.  I  have  not  yet  seen  D*. 
Knight.  He  has  removed  to  Plainfield,  &  can  be  summoned  to 
Court  when  needed..  Major  Cook,  I  shall  soon  see.  I  have  pressed 
Col.  Ward  hard  in  the  matter.  He  is  very  loath  to  say  anything  in 
the  affair.  I  suppose  he  has  given  Johnson  a  General  recommend 
as  a  good  officer  &  is  afraid  tb  answer  any  Questions  I  would  put, 
least  it  should  contradict  it.  I  think  he  uses  me  ill  in  the  affair.  I 
wish  you  to  hint  to  me  what  you  had  reference  to  in  particular,  when 
you  mentioned  to  me  that  Gen1.  Ward  &  Major  Cook  might  be  of 
service  to  me. 

I  confess  myself  much  disappointed  in  Col.  Webb's  deposition. 
He  ever  told  the  story  to  others,  as  well  as  myself,  very  differently. 
I  have  always  understood  that  the  General  told  Johnson  to  his  face 
that  "no  Gentleman  would  persist  in  urging  for  a  furlough  after  what 
had  passed  :"  and  then  again  in  anger,  "That  it  was  a  matter  of  very 
little  consequence"  with  some  Field  officers  whether  they  were  in 
Camp  or  Countrey.  But  now  it  seems  that  Col.  Webb  was  author- 
ized  to  say  so.&  so,  to  Johnson  from  the  General.  This  representa- 
tion will  have  a  very  different  effect  on  the  minds  of  a  Jury,  though 


158         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

one  would  think  either  way  it  was  enough  to  Petryfy  a  man  of  feel- 
ing. I  think  I  must  see  Col.  Webb  on  this  Business.  His  mind  is 
so  fully  taken  up  with  the  important  concerns  he  is  come  out  upon, 
that  'tis  not  strange  he  does  not  recollect  so  particularly  some  things 
that  may  be  very  important  to  me. 

I  shall  endeavor  to  acquaint  you  with  the  Issue  of  the  Cause 
whenever  it  is  determined.  The  Superior  Court  will  hear  the  case 
in  about  three  weeks. 

When  you  visit  Connecticut  I  hope  to  have  the  Pleasure  of  wait- 
ing on  you  at  my  House.  Please  to  make  it  your  home.  A  Bed,  & 
Stable,  with  such  fare  as  we  have,  is  ever  at  your  service. 

Your  care  &  attention  in  this  matter  has  laid  me  under  particular 
obligations,  which  shall  ever  be  acknowledged  by,  Dear  Sir,  your 
affectionate  Friend  &  very  Humble  Serv*  John  Chester. 


FROM    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters  Middle  brook 
25  th  Feby,  1779. 
Dear  Sir: 

Agreeable  to  my  promise,  when  you  were  at  Head  Quarters,  I 
have  had  a  calculation  made  from  the  last  returns  of  the  Commissary 
of  Prisoners,  of  the  number  of  privates  which  upon  the  several  prop- 
ositions that  have  been  made  by  the  enemy,  we  should  have  to  give 
them  in  a  general  exchange  of  our  officers  for  officers  and  privates  of 
the  Convention  Troops — By  submitting  this  to  Congress,  if  neces- 
sary, they  will  be  the  better  able  to  decide  on  the  propriety  of 
adopting  the  measure  solicited  in  the  memorial  which  you  have  been 
appointed  to  present. 

I  am  with  great  regard 
Dear  Sir 

Your  most  obed  Ser1. 

G?  Washington. 


FROM    COLONEL   CHESTER. 

Weathersfield,  Feb.  28,  A.  D.  1779. 
My  dear  Friend  : 

I  rejoice  to  have  an  Opportunity  once  more  to  write  you  free  of 

Constraint  &  with  liberty  to  say  what  I  please ;  I  cannot  write  a 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  159 

Letter  to  be  examined  by  every  body.  Great  as  the  privilege  is 
there  is  a  greater  one  I  wish  for  I  mean  the  pleasure  of  a  personal 
interview  with  my  too  long  absent  friend.  Why  will  you  not  visit 
Wethersfield  while  on  Parole  at  this  Time — Six  weeks  surely  would 
allow  you  time  enough  just  to  call  &  see  us  at  least.  The  perform- 
ance of  one  condition  on  your  part  shall  reconcile  us  to  be  absent 
from  each  other  a  little  longer ;  &  that  is  that  you  apply  yourself  so 
diligently  to  your  business  as  to  effect  your  exchange.  Your  visit 
then  we  hope  will  not  be  short  &  temporary.  We  are  all  earnestly 
wishing  for  such  an  event,  &  hope  it  will  take  place  generally.  If  it 
does  not  I  think  you  must  stand  a  good  Chance  on  ace1,  of  the  Offi- 
cers taken  by  your  Brother  Barrel's  Vessel. 

Besides  the  ties  of  Friendship,  the  bonds  of  Interest  call  loud  on 
me  to  see  you. — ^5,000  is  no  small  sum  for  me  to  loose,  as  much  as 
money  has  depreciated.  I  am  to  acknowledge  your  favor  accom- 
panied with  your  deposition. — I  could  wish  to  have  seen  you  before 
you  had  wrote  it,  as  I  am  persuaded,  if  you  had  time  to  recollect 
Coolly,  you  would  have  wrote  me  one  much  more  favorably  to  my 
purpose. — Did  you  receive  a  Long  letter  from  me  last  fall  by  Bro* 
Jos.  when  you  met  him  at  the  Lines?  With  that  I  sent  the  Copy  of 
what  I  had  heard  you  relate  as  near  as  I  could  recollect,  &  the  sub- 
stance of  what  I  hoped  you  would  have  been  able  to  remember  & 
have  attested  to. — It  is  also  very  near  what  Mr.  Hosmer,  Major 
Huntington,  Capt.  Belding  &  MT.  Elisha  Williams  of  E.  Hartford  have 
attested  they  have  heard  you  relate.  The  most  material  difference 
is  this  that  these  Gentlemen  &  myself  have  ever  understood  you  that 
after  Johnson  had  very  indecently  &  repeatedly  urged  for  a  furlough 
the  General  told  him  to  his  face  that  after  what  had  been  said  no 
Gentleman  would  ask  for  a  furlough,  and  Johnson  still  persisting  in 
his  application,  the  General  told  him  that  "  If  he  would  not  take  no 
for  an  answer,  he  might  go  to  his  Col.  &  if  he  would  recommend 
him,  one  of  the  Aids  de  Camp  should  write  him  one,  for  I  think,  tis 
a  matter  of  very  little  consequence  with  some  officers,  whether  they 
are  in  the  Army  or  the  Country." — You  see  how  very  differently  the 
minds  of  a  Jury  will  be  affected  by  this  last  representation  of  the 
matter  as  spoken  by  the  General  himself  in  person  &  its  coining 
from  the  General  through  another  person.  Besides  I  told  the  story 
in  the  Assembly  that  the  General  said  it  to  Johnson  himself,  &  the 


160        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Charge  is  laid  against  me  in  that  manner  in  the  declaration.  I  dare 
say  when  you  come  to  reflect  on  this  matter  you  will  find  that  you 
have  not  given  me  so  good  a  deposition  as  you  would  be  able  to  do 
on  further  reflection.  Indeed,  tis  not  very  strange  at  this  distance 
of  time  that  you  should  not  recollect  so  minutely  all  that  passed  on 
this  occasion  especially  as  your  attention  at  the  time  of  writing  the 
deposition  must  have  been  engaged  with  heavier  cares,  to  you  &  the 
Publick. — But  enough  of  this  for  the  present. — I  expect  to  hear  from 
you  while  at  Philadelphia  again  on  this  subject,  according  to  your 
encouragement  in  your  Letter.  In  the  mean  time  I  keep  your 
deposition  to  myself,  &  intend  no  one  shall  know  its  contents. 

As  to  Domestic  news  we  have  nothing  remarkable.  The  good 
People  at  both  houses  are  in  tolerable  Health — Those  of  our  family 
in  Particular  desire  their  Love  to  you.  Bro1:  Jos.  is  or  will  soon  be 
with  you  in  Philadelphia.  To  him  I  must  refer  you  for  the  news 
with  us.  Hoping  soon  to  see  you  here  I  must  for  the  present  bid 
you  Adieu. 

Subscribing  myself  your  affectionate  friend 

&  Obliged  Humble  Serv* 

John  Chester.* 


TO    JOHN    JAY,  PRESIDENT   OF    CONGRESS. 

Philadelphia,  March  5*h,  1779. 
Sir: 

The  Committee  to  which  was  referred  the  Memorial 
from  the  Officers  on  Long  Island,  having  fully  en- 
quired into  their  situation  &c.  — have  been  obligeing 
enough  to  inform  me,  they  intend  making  their  report 
this  morning.  I  shall  esteem  it  a  particular  favor  you 
will  propose  it  to  be  taken  up  by  Congress  this  day,  as 
I  am  extremely  impatient  to  have  the  matter  deter- 
mined— should  Congress  think  proper  to  recommend 
an    Exchange  81  refer  it  to  His    Excellency  General 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


\S     fr-yy*      01JL>44W<'J    */  ■'/?  t'/stJ&j   At  sdyrjttiK  #  -ftyAAAy 


V*7?     AC 


<7 


Af* 


'"A 


'  ~/*tn  ,<t*>0**~**}  ^^A^y  ^    "  f1^'^^t^  ^^?-7   /  /H^y^ 


"&*?    SJ-yn    rsTA^S&tY'X  , 


yA%&/     ii^A^   y  -?%^t^£>  ^A*  c^jA^^t^ux)  „ 


■%*  ■ 


-/.>/. 


fisf  ypryn^  -fouC     ^^fct  Ar£-Pr?A^i4  >  ^/*^A*m  '"-^J-  ^>-^^AA  A^C 

*-<..  cesi-^l^    .         ■*-''»  -™>  "*>     /  -urA  -t^A<.  JjA^ry    fri^y     A&  ^  ^f^AZ  /C*i^) 

yfyy   a¥m*     .{,  An 


A.  16.     St»  tdffl&J, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  161 

Washington,  I  shall  set  of  immediately  for  Head  Quar- 
ters in  hopes  the  matter  may  be  bro't  to  a  conclusion 
before  my  Parole  expires. 

I  am  with  Esteem  &  Respect 
Your  Excelly's  Most  obed*. 

&  very  Hume.  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


RESOLUTION   OF   CONGRESS. 

In  Congress,  5 th  March,  1779. 
Resolved  that  General  Washington  Commander  in  Chief  of  the 
Armies  of  the  United  States  be  and  he  hereby  is  fully  authorized  and 
empowered  at  his  discretion  to  negotiate  and  establish  with  the 
Commander  in  Chief  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  forces  a  Cartel  or 
Agreement  for  the  general  Exchange  of  prisoners  comprehending 
the  Convention  Troops  or  a  more  partial  Agreement  for  any  par- 
ticular or  definite  number  of  prisoners  and  to  fix  and  conclude  upon 
the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  Said  Exchange,  ascertaining  and 
allowing  an  equivalent  of  inferior  for  superior  Officers,  and  an  equiva- 
lent of  privates  for  officers  according  to  such  proportion  as  has  been 
customary  or  shall  appear  to  him  to  be  just  and  equitable,  and  to 
appoint  Commissioners  and  the  time  and  place  of  their  meeting  to 
treat  and  confer  with  the  Comm1;  to  be  authorised  by  the  Comman- 
der in  Chief  of  the  Brittish  Forces  on  the  terms  and  manner  of  such 
Exchange.  And  it  is  hereby  declared  that  the  Acts  and  Stipulations 
of  the  said  Commissioners  being  ratified  and  confirmed  by  the  re- 
spected Commanders  in  Chief  aforesaid  shall  be  final  and  conclusive. 

Extract  from  the  Minutes 

Chas  Thomson  Secy. 


WASHINGTON  TO    SIR   HENRY   CLINTON. 

Head-Quarters,  Middlebrook,  14  March,  1779. 
Sir: 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted,  that  all  the  attempts,  which  have  been 
made  to  establish  some  general  and  adequate  rule  for  the  exchange 


162        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

of  prisoners,  have  hitherto  been  ineffectual.  In  a  matter  of  so  great 
importance,  too  much  pains  cannot  be  taken  to  surmount  the 
obstacles  that  lie  in  its  way,  and  to  bring  it  to  a  satisfactory  issue. 
With  an  earnest  desire  to  effect  this,  the  honorable  the  Congress 
have  again  authorized  me  to  propose  the  settlement  of  a  general 
cartel,  and  to  appoint  commissioners  with  full  powers  for  that  pur- 
pose. This  proposition,  in  obedience  to  their  order,  I  now  make ; 
and  if  it  should  meet  with  your  concurrence,  I  shall  be  ready  to  send 
commissioners  to  meet  others  on  your  part,  at  such  time  and  place 
as  shall  be  judged  convenient. 

That  the  present  attempt  may  not  prove  as  unsuccessful  as  former 
ones,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  if  there  is  a  meeting  of  commissioners,  that 
the  gentlemen  on  both  sides,  apprized  of  the  difficulties  which  have 
occurred,  and  with  a  liberal  attention  to  the  circumstances  of  the 
parties,  will  come  disposed  to  accommodate  their  negotiations  to 
them,  and  to  level  all  unnecessary  obstructions  to  the  completion  of 
the  treaty.     I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  due  respect,  &c* 

*  "  Let  me  assure  you,  Sir,  that  my  wishes  coincide  sincerely  with  those  which 
you  express  for  the  completion  of  a  purpose  equally  urged  by  justice  and  human- 
ity. Allow  me  to  say,  that  I  am  happy  to  find  the  direction  of  this  affair  is  now 
entirely  reposed  in  military  hands,  as  I  can  from  thence  augur  the  same  liberality 
of  negotiation,  on  the  part  of  your  commissioners,  which  I  trust  you  will  find  on 
ours.  Colonel  O'Hara  having  sailed  for  England,  it  requires  a  day  or  two  for  the 
person,  who  is  to  supply  his  place,  to  inform  himself  of  the  points  on  which  the 
business  will  turn.  On  Monday  I  shall  send  down  Colonel  Hyde  and  Captain 
Andre  to  Staten  Island,  that  they  may  meet  your  commissioners  either  at  Amboy 
or  Elizabethtown,  as  you  may  wish." — Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  Washington,  31 
March,  1779. 

"  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  requesting,  that  it  may  be  deferred  until  Monday, 
the  1 2th  instant,  when  Colonel  Davies  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Harrison  will  meet 
Colonel  Hyde  and  Captain  Andre  at  Amboy,  in  the  forenoon.  Those  gentlemen, 
I  am  persuaded,  will  enter  upon  business  with  the  most  liberal  and  generous 
dispositions;  and  from  thence  I  am  happy  to  conceive  with  you  the  most  favor- 
able expectations.  You  will,  however,  suffer  me  to  observe,  that,  should  the  in- 
tended negotiation  answer  our  wishes,  yet  it  will  not  flow  from  that  partiality, 
which  you  have  been  pleased  to  suppose." —  Washington  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
4  April,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  163 

FROM   WILLIAM    DUER. 

Phills  Hill,  20  March,  1779. 
Dear  Sir: 

Gen1.  Williamson,  who  commands  a  Detachment  of  the  Continen- 
tal Army  in  Georgia  writes  to  Congress  on  the  i6*h  Feby,  that  the 
Enemy  on  the  15*  had  abandoned  Augusta,  having  in  vain  Endeav- 
or'd  to  rouse  the  Indians  against  us.  The  Creek  Nation,  which  is 
the  most  powerful,  refused  in  particular  even  to  attend  a  Conference 
to  which  they  were  invited.  They  were  making  the  best  of  the  Way 
to  Savanna,  and  two  Bodies  of  men  were  detached  to  fall  on  the 
Rear. 

The  Express  who  brought  the  Letters  says  that  the  night  before 
he  left  Charlestown,  an  account  had  arrived  at  that  Place,  that  most 
of  their  Baggage,  and  a  number  of  Prisoners  had  fallen  into  our 
hands.  A  Body  of  arm'd  Tories  in  Number  about  500  were  at- 
tempting to  form  a  Junction  with  the  Enemy,  but  there  is  every 
Reason  to  imagine  these  will  be  frustrated  in  their  Design.  As  it 
will  give  you  and  all  the  Friends  of  America  infinite  Pleasure  to  find 
that  the  Enemy  are  frustrated  in  their  last  Resource,  I  have  desired 
our  Friend  Dr.  Draper  to  forward  this  Intelligence  to  you.  All  the 
Family  here  desire  their  Compliments — and  hope  soon  to  see  you 
make  one  amongst  the  Sons  and  Daughters  of  Freemen.  In  this  no 
one  joins  more  sincerely  than  your  affectionate 

Hb.le  Serv4. 

W11    DUER. 


FROM    CAPTAIN  JOHN   SWAN. 

[Flat  Bush,]  March  30th,  1779. 
My  dear  Colo  : 

We  had  a  general  meeting  yesterday  or  a  meeting  of  Generals, 
which  you  please,  in  consequence  of  which  I  have  by  their  order  in- 
closed you  a  letter  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  requesting  the  Commander 
in  Chief  to  let  Major  Joynes  &  myself  go  to  Phil?  to  procure  a  sum 
of  money  from  the  Board  of  Treasury  for  the  use  of  the  Prisoners 
here — before  I  conclude  it  is  my  duty  to  mention  that  I  was  anxious 
of  declining  going  from  the  time  my  name  was  first  mention'd,  but 
insisted  upon.     Major  Joynes  is  particularly  deputed  from  the  ninth 


1 64        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Virginia  Reg1,  to  lay  a  claim  of  theirs  before  Congress,  in  behalf  of 
themselves  &  the  Phil?  Prisoners  in  general. 

I  have  some  reasons  to  believe  that  Sir  Henry  will  not  admit  more 
than  one  officer  to  go  upon  this  business — in  that  case  you  will 
mention  which  you  think  will  fulfill  the  intention  of  the  officers  here. 
— I  am  requested  to  inclose  their  letter  to  you,  begging  you  will 
deliver  it  to  the  Commander  in  Chief  &  procure  an  immediate  an- 
swer which  be  pleased  to  inclose  me.  We  are  all  well  &  anxious  of 
seeing  you  before  you  go  out,*  &  none  more  so  than  a  certain  Lady 
of  our  acquaintance.  I  ever  am  with  much  real  esteem,  my  Dear 
Sir,  Affectionately  Yours, 

J.  Swan. 


TO    JOSHUA    LORING. 

New  York,  4  April,  1779. 
Sir: 

In  conversation  with  the  Gentlemen  Prisoners  yes- 
terday on  Long  Island,  I  found  they  had  a  desire  that 
some  of  the  principle  Officers  from  their  Body  should 
attend  the  Commissioners  to  Amboy,  and  gave  for 
reason,  that  should  any  objections  arise  on  the  part  of 
General  Washington's  Commissioners,  he  might  have 
influence  enough  to  obviate  it,  provided  they  should  be 
in  an  error,  which  is  quite  possible  may  be  the  case 
for  want  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  our  situation  and 
Circumstances.  I  cannot  but  be  of  opinion  it  may  be 
attended  with  good  consequence — and  am  certain  it 
can  do  no  injury.  General  [William]  Thompson,  who 
is  a  man  of  weight  and  influence  would  be  the  proper 
person.  Should  you  join  rne  in  opinion,  be  so  oblige- 
ing  as  to  name  it  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  or  Lord  Raw- 

*  Col.  Webb  had  applied  to  be  released  on  parole.     Sir  Henry  denied  the  wish 
of  Captain  Swan. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  165 

don,  in  doing  which  you  will  confer  an  obligation  to  all 
the'  Prisoners  on  Long-Island,  as  well  as,  Sir,  your 
most  obedient  Hum.  Serv*  S.  B.  Webb. 


FROM    SILAS    DEANE. 

Philadelphia,  Ap\  17th,  1778  [1779]. 
Dear  Coll  : 

I  hope  to  see  you  in  a  few  Days,  shall  therefore  say  only  that  I 
propose  to  set  out  for  Camp  next  Tuesday  at  the  Farthest,  but  if 
you  arrive  there  pay  no  Regard  to  this  but  come  on  as  fast  as  Possi- 
ble to  Philadelphia,  for  if  you  meet  me  on  the  Road,  it  will  be  as 
well,  perhaps  better.  I  shall  go  by  Trenton,  Princeton  and  so  on 
the  Common  Road  direct  to  Basken  Ridge  where  if  you  arrive  before 
me  come  to  meet  me.  Whatever  you  may  obtain  of  intelligence  I 
wish  to  learn  of  you  personally,  for  the  practise  of  intercepting  Let- 
ters prevails,  and  those  who  are  Base  enough  to  intercept,  are  wicked 
enough  to  put  the  worst  Construction  on  everything.  Wishing  you 
success,  I  am  my  Dear  Col. 

Most  affectionately  yours 

S.  Deane. 


FROM    COLONEL  BEATTY. 

Amboy,  April  16th,  79,  Saturday. 
Dear  Colo  : 

We  met  here  agreable  to  appointment  on  Monday  last — since 
when  we  have  conferred  to  no  purpose  &  indeed  I  must  say,  I  fear, 
no  general  Cartell  will  be  fixed — some  hopes  yet  remain  of  a  partial 
exchange  taking  place — I  am  sensible  how  much  pain  &  uneasiness 
this  letter  will  create  among  those  unfortunate  Gentlemen,  of  whom 
you  are  one — More  especially  as  they  conceive  their  further  delay 
upon  the  Island  to  be  occasioned  from  an  Unwillingness  to  promote 
their  Enlargement,  unless  some  evident  advantage  was  gained — Give 
me  leave  to  Undeceive  you  in  this  point — 

However  liberal  &  generous  you  may  have  supposed  the  British 
Commissioners  propositions  w'd  be,  upon  their  arrival  at  this  place  I 


166        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


do  assure  you,  they  were  infinitely  more  Extravagant,  than  when  we 
met  in  Decern'  last — To  prove  this  I  shall  Inform  you — That  their 
first  proposal  was — That  the  whole  of  the  Prisoners  in  our  Hands, 
amounting  to  above  three  Hundred  officers,  &  as  many  thousand 
privates,  should  be  wholly  given  up — Then  Gen'l  Clinton  conceiving 
the  Ballance  would  still  be  against  us,  was  however  in  the  fullness  of 
his  generosity,  willing  to  give  up,  the  whole  of  our  officers  who  were 
Prisoners  with  them — Such  liberality  we  were  strangers  to,  &  wanted 
more  convincing  proofs  of  Sir  Henry's,  before  an  acquiescence  in 
such  proposals.  We  next  proceeded  to  settle  the  Ratio  or  grade  of 
officers,  as  we  thought  agreable  to  their  own  propositions  last  Dec. 
they  could  not  object  to  the  Exchange  of  half  their  officers  &  the 
residue  of  ours  to  be  redeemed  with  privates — Here  too  their  gener- 
osity was  displayed  in  striking  colours — Upon  a  Calculation  agreable 
to  their  Ratio  we  found  it  would  take,  all  the  Convention  Troops 
and  about  half  our  Army  to  redeem  our  Officers — We  were  aston- 
ished &  yet  the  gentlemen  conceived  themselves  as  treating  upon 
the  most  generous  &  liberal  principles — 

To  day  I  fancy  they  will  go  upon  a  partial  Exchange.  I  hope  it 
may  reach  my  Friend — of  this  I  shall  inform  you  more  particularly 
when  we  break  up. 

I  flatter  myself  the  Gentlemen  will  rest  satisfied  from  this  Infor- 
mation as  I  am  well  assured,  we  were  disposed  to  give  up  a  good 
deal — but  the  Terms  the  British  Gentlemen  held  out  were  so  indig- 
nant, that  you  had  rather  continue  Prisoners,  than  be  released  upon 
such  conditions — Gen'l  Thompson  who  is  the  Bearer  of  this — will 
give  you  such  further  Information  as  you  may  want — 

I  am  to  request  your  attention  to  that  matter,  we  talked  of  when 
at  Biddle's  Quarters — if  it  can  not  be  done  in  whole,  let  it  be 
attempted  in  part — The  advantages  accruing  from  it,  are  becoming 
more  &  more  considerable  every  day — opertunitys  will  serve  to  let 
me  hear  from  you  in  this  way — Neglect  none — Comp*  to  the  Ladies 
&  Gentlemen  of  your  place — &  believe  me  to  be  in  Haste  Dx.  Col? 
Yours  J.  B.* 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  167 

FROM   JAMES    KEENE. 

New  York,  22  April,  1779. 
Dr.  Sir: 

C.  G.  Loring  is  expected  home  this  evening,  as  for  the  Commis*r 
I  cannot  learn  whether  they  come  at  the  same  time  or  not ;  but  I  am 
afraid  nothing  to  the  purpose  is  done. 

Col.  Beatty  will  be  in  York  as  soon  as  the  Commissioner's  breakes 
up,  whether  a  Genl  exchange  takes  place  or  not,  with  fifty  Thousand 
Dollars  to  Discharge  the  oifi:s  Board,  &c.  &c.  I  expect  to  leave  the 
Com1?5  Depart1,  very  soon,  that  is  the  reason  of  my  stay  in  town  so 
long,  I  shall  have  my  answer  at  12  o'clock  this  day  from  Lord  Raw- 
don.  I  hope  it  will  be  for  the  best.  I'll  be  upon  a  shure  footing, 
then  I  shall  know  what  to  trust  too.*     I  am,  Sir,  with  Esteem 

Yr.  most  obedV  very  Hble  Serv1. 

J.  Keene. 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL  THOMPSON. 

New  York,  April  27,  1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  have  seen  many  Letters  from  England  but  very  little  News  of 
consequence — They  all  mention  that  Troops  are  coming  out  some 
say  15,000  but  I  can't  believe  one  third  of  that  number  can  be  sent 
— Tho'  I  am  of  opinion  that  every  step  will  be  taken  to  carry  on  an 
Active  Campaign  against  us — 

A  Party  has  been  in  Monmouth  County  and  brought  of  a  small 
Guard  of  about  twenty  Men.  I  can't  procure  a  London  Paper  to 
send  you  tho'  I  had  the  Promise  of  one  this  Morning — The  British 
Commissioner  are  much  out  of  Humor,  they  are  about  to  Publish 
their  proceeding  at  Amboy — You  will  then  know  all  that  past  on  the 
subject  of  an  exchange — I  am  endeavoring  to  bring  about  my  Ex- 

*  "  Mr.  Loring  cannot  give  you  any  satisfactory  ace*  concerning  your  being  ex- 
changed for  one  of  the  officers  taken  in  the  Eagle  Packet.  As  soon  as  he  can 
with  any  propriety,  he'll  let  you  know.  Mr  L.  is  always  ready  to  serve  you; 
proper  opportunity  must  be  observed.  I  assure  you  I  am  never  happier  than 
when  I  can  do  you  any  service."     J.  Keene  to  Colonel  Webb,  27  April,  1779. 


1 63        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

change  for  one  of  their  Gen'ls  &  hope  to  succeed — I  shall  see  you  in 
a  day  or  two  and  am  Dr.  Webb  Yours  very  sincerely. 

W^  Thompson. 
Tuesday  Morning.* 


FROM   JOSHUA   LORING. 

9  May,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  was  in  hopes  ere  this  to  have  sent  you  leave  to  go  home  on  your 
Parole  for  a  month,  or  perhaps  longer,  the  disappointment  you  have 
met  with  heretofore,  has  prevented  my  giving  you  any  Encourage- 
ment on  this  head,  and  I  will  now  only  say,  that  I  expect  to  obtain 
permission  for  you  tomorrow,  likewise  for  Col?  Allison,  whom  if  con- 
venient beg  you  will  inform.  I  am,  your  most  Obedient  &  most 
Humble  Servant  Jos*  Loring, 

C.  G.  Prisoners. 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL  THOMPSON. 

Tuesday  Evening  [9  May,  1779.] 
D*  Webb: 

The  matter  is  at  last  fixed  for  our  going  out  on  Thursday  Morn- 
ing. Come  to  Town  as  soon  as  Possible.  Our  Paroles  to  be  'till 
called  for  or  exchanged-! 

Send  Colonel  Magaw's  Letter  to  him  without  loss  of  time  as  I 
suppose  he  will  take  out  M?5  Magaw  and  will  have  little  time  to  pre- 
pair.  My  best  Complim1*  to  my  Friends  at  Flat  Bush  and  am,  D* 
Sir,  yours  very  sincerely 

W™  Thompson. 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 

f  "  The  committee,  consisting  of  Mr.  Spencer,  Mr.  Atlee,  Mr.  Scudder,  to  whom 
was  referred  a  letter  from  Brigadier- General  Thompson  and  Colonel  Webb,  in 
behalf  of  themselves  and  sundry  others,  representing  'that  Gen.  Clinton  had  con- 
sented to  their  retiring  into  the  country  on  parole  until  such  time  as  they  shall  be 
called  for;  and  that  he  required  in  return  that  they  should  obtain  permission  for 
Generals  Phillips  and  Riedesel,  witji  their  aids-de-camp,  and  Capt.  Watterson,  of 
the  2 1  st  regiment,  to  go  into  New  York  on  the  same  condition;  and  praying  that 
Congress  will  be  pleased  to  comply  with  the  said  proposal  for  their  parole  ex- 
change,' brought  in  a  report;  whereupon,  Resolved,  That  the  commander  in  chief 
be  authorized  to  make  such  and  so  many  parole  exchanges  as  he  shall,  from  time 
to  time,  judge  beneficial  or  expedient."     Journals  of  Congress,  3  June,  1779. 


c,7 


1 


,&, 


g^^Uj^- 


<r 


"> 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  169 

TO    JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

North  Branch,  Rariton, 
Fry  day  Even?  ,  28  May,  1779. 
Dear  Wadsworth  : 

I  was  not  a  little  disappointed  this  afternoon  to  find 
you  had  left  Head-Quarters  before  I  came  on.  I  had 
several  matters  of  consequence  to  chat  with  you  about, 
be  obligeing  enough  to  remind  our  good  friend 
Harrisson  to  write  me  as  early  as  possible  what  the 
determination  of  Congress  about  General  Phillips  and 
Reidsell  may  be,  it  is  interesting  to  me,  if  they  cannot 
be  permitted  to  go  in  I  shall  be  in  continual  anxiety  for 
fear  of  receiveing  a  summons  to  return  to  Captivity — 
God  forbid  that  should  be  the  case,  I  have  already  had 
my  share.  General  Knox  is  desireous  of  having  a 
Barrel  of  Pickeled  Salmon  sent  him  by  return  of  my 
Waggon,  I  was  to  have  spoke  to  you  on  the  Subject — 
be  kind  enough  to  write  Mr.  Hubbard  about  it. 

I  am  now  at  the  North  Branch  in  full  view  of  Miss 
B[anckerl — this  day  you  found  fault  about  my  not  in- 
troduceing  you,  tis  done,  I  have  said  many  cleaver 
things  of  my  friend  Jerry,  and  he  has  nothing  more  to 
do  than  to  make  his  appearance  before  the  Lady  to  be 
well  acquainted,  whenever  that  happens  I  hope  you'll 
steal  a  kiss  on  my  account,  that  is  if  you  can  by  a 
retrograde  manoevre  do  it  with  your  usual  Gallantry, 
I  go  from  this  very  early  in  the  morning  on  my  way  to 
the  Holy  Land,  let  me  hear  from  you  frequently — and 
at  all  times  believe  me  very  sincerely 

Your  friend  &  Most 
Humbe.  Serv* 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


170        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

P.  S.     Be  kind  enough  to  Settle  my  travelling  Ac- 
count with  Majr.   Hamilton — I  advanced  50  Dollars* — 


FROM   MAJOR   HUNTINGTON. 

Quarters,  Tiverton,  Rhode  Island, 

13  June,  1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

By  MT.  Jones  the  Bearer  of  this,  I  had  the  first  information  of  your 
Return  to  Weth<? ,  tho  had  before  heard  you  was  out  of  N.  York  on 
Parole.  When  he  informed  me  you  had  got  home,  my  first  Ques- 
tion was,  have  you  got  any  Letters  or  letter  for  me,  to  which  he  gave 
me  an  answer  in  the  Negative.  You  will  readily  believe  me  not  a 
little  disappointed,  I  assure  you  I  was ;  but  when  he  informed  me 
you  did  not  know  of  his  setting  out,  I  pardoned  you,  but  shall  not 
extend  it  for  forty  Days — tho'  M*.  Jones  tells  me  you  expect  to  be 
here  next  week — I  wish  it  may  be  sooner.  I  wish  to  see  you  much, 
both  on  my  own  ace1,  and  yours,  as  I  believe,  you  will  not  find  your 
Money  Accounts  in  the  situation  you  expected  they  would  have  been 
before  this  time.  I  hope  you  will  bring  on  your  Papers,  that  you 
may  be  able  to  Close  some  of  the  Accounts  that  remain  unclosed. 
Your  Clothing  Accounts  I  have  with  me. — You  will  scarcely  know 
your  Regiment  when  you  arrive — Your  Officers  new  as  to  the  Ranks 
they  now  hold  except  two — the  soldiers  as  usual  well  armed,  tolerably 
Disciplined  but  badly  Clothed.  You  know  it  is  natural  for  a  Man 
who  is  answerable  for  the  appearance  of  a  Reg*  ,  if  he  is  faulty,  to 
make  or  rather  to  meditate  an  excuse.  My  great  &  Principle  one  is, 
the  new  method  of  Discipline  introduced,  makes  an  Alteration  from 
the  old  greater  more  difficult  than  to  instruct  new  Troops.  Why 
they  will  appear  to  you  raw  &  Undisciplined  is  obvious,  because 
your  situation,  has  much  too  long  been,  where  we  have  been  taught 
to  look  as  a  Pattern  for  Discipline. — But  why  need  I  trouble  you 
with  that,  you  will  say.  I  can  give  you  a  very  good  reason  which  is, 
that  when  you  left  the  Regiment  you  thought  them  discipline  ,  &  of 
course  you  might  have  reason  to  expect  to  find  them  so  when  you 
return — &  unless  I  informed  you  to  the  Contrary,  the  Mortification 

*  From  the  cabinet  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  171 

you  would  show  in  your  Countenance  would  be  so  great  that  I  should 
not  but  discern  it,  &  of  Course  feel  it  myself — which  to  avoid,  this 
serves  to  make  you  come  prepared. — Pray  did  you  see  anything  of 
Lieut  Col°  Livingston  as  you  came  from  Philadelphia,  has  he  re- 
signed, is  he  dead,  or  is  he  Coming  to  join  the  Regiment?  I  have 
not  hear4  a  word  from  him  since  Jany  last  except  in  the  Round 
about  way.  The  Gentlemen  Officers  desire  their  friendly  Compli- 
ments to  you,  &  Rejoice  that  you  are  once  more  in  the  Land  of  Lib- 
erty, tho'  universally  wish,  and  I  believe  most  sincerely,  that  your 
Stay  was  like  to  be  longer  than  the  Uncertainty  of  a  Parole  will  give 
them  reason  to  believe,  tho'  they  are  highly  flattered  with  the  pleas- 
ing Expectation  that  you  will  soon  pay  them  a  Visit,  altho'  they  are 
station?  in  this  dreary  &  Dismal  Part  of  God's  Creation.  I  wish 
most  earnestly  that  your  Exchange  may  be  so  speedy,  that  instead 
of  a  Visit,  you  may  join  &  take  Command  of  a  Reg1,  who  regret  your 
Inactive  Situation  as  they  wish  to  be  under  your  Immediate  Com- 
mand, as  doth  your  Affectionate  friend  & 

Very  Humble  Servant 
Eben*  Huntington. 

P.  S.  Present  my  Affectionate  Compliments,  Respects,  Love  and 
whatever  you  please  to  the  Circle. 

Wish  you  to  bring  with  you  the  Accounts  of  Moneys  rec?  from 
M*  Lockwood  due  to  the  Soldiers,  which  you  have  in  your  hand,  as 
some  of  the  soldiers  are  anxious  to  have  their  Money.* 


FROM   JEREMIAH   WADSWORTH. 

Camp  at  Smith's  Clove,  17  June,  1779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  rec<?  your  agreeable  favour  dated  at  the  South  Branch  of  the 
Rariton,  since  my  arrival  here.     Had  I  been  so  fortunate  as  to  have 

*  *  To  his  sister,  Mrs.  Barrell,  Colonel  Webb  wrote  on  June  13th :  "  I  hope  to  set 
off  for  Providence  the  last  of  this  or  beginning  of  next  week;  after  I  have  done 
my  business  with  the  Regiment  I  shall  very  eagerly  take  my  flight  to  Boston  to 
see  my  long  absent  friends,  when  I  shall  have  chat  enough  for  you.  Remember 
me  to  your  good  Husband,  who  I  never  saw,  but  hope  soon  to  be  acquainted 
with.  Abby,  I  think,  will  conclude  to  go  with  me  and  spend  a  few  weeks  with 
you,  as  Hetty  is  to  accompany  me  back." 


172        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

found  it  when  I  returned  to  Rariton,  it  wou'd  have  been  a  very 
agreeable  introduction  to  Miss  B[ancker]  who  every  body  says  you 
are  engaged  to.  If  I  am  ever  in  that  neighborhood  again  I  shall 
certainly  do  myself  the  honor  to  call  on  her.  This  is  a  most  villain- 
ous country,  rough,  Rocky,  and  a  bad  climate.  Rattle  snakes  & 
Robbers  are  plenty.  It  was  an  infringement  on  the  right  of  wild 
Beasts  for  man  ever  to  enter  this  Clove,  it  ought  to  have  remained 
as  Nature  certainly  intended  it  for  the  sole  use  of  snakes  adders  & 
Beasts  of  prey. 

Harrison  says  he  will  write  you  soon,  but  dont  think  Congress 
have  done  anything  very  effectual.  What  they  have  done  I  dont 
know.  If  the  Carolina  news  is  true  your  fears  of  being  recalled  are 
over — but  entre  nous  I  am  yet  an  unbeliever.  I  am  alone,  every 
body  else  believes  it,  but  no  official  information  is  come  to  hand,  and 
the  time  so  long  I  confess  there  is  great  doubt.  The  Enemy  remain 
at  the  two  Points  Van  Planks  &  Stoney  Point  fortifying  and  are  ex- 
pecting reinforcements,  which  they  will  certainly  have,  when  I  expect 
we  shall  have  some  serious  business  among  those  dreary  Hills  & 
dales.  I  intend  to  be  pretty  regular  in  my  correspondence  with  you, 
if  you  are  not  like  my  other  friends,  too  lazy  to  keep  it  up.  You 
will  remember  the  possibility  of  your  letters  miscarrying  &  write 
accordingly.  My  love  to  your  Brother  &  Sisters,  Col.  Chester  & 
family.     *     *     *  J.  Wadsworth. 


FROM   CAPTAIN  JOHN   WEBB. 

Camp  Fredericksburg,  June  19th,  1779. 
Dear  Brother: 

I  am  very  sorry  that  it  was  not  my  Fortune  to  meet  you  on  the 

Rhodes,  by  accV5  I  was  not  but  one  Mile  out  of  the  Rhode  when  you 

Past ;  I  have  the  Promise  of  Col?  Sheldon  to  return  home  when  I 

Please,  he  ses  that  if  you  and  my  Brother  says  that  you  want  to  see 

me  upon  Business,  that  I  shall  return  when  he  comes  back,  which 

will  be  in  a  few  Weeks ;  I  want  very  much  to  see  you  before  you 

return,  upon  Business;  the  Business  will  be  to  lay  a  plan  of  our 

Future  doing  Business,  the  last  year  was  very  Fortinate  upon  the 

whole. — I  shou'd  be  very  happy  to  hear  what  M'  D[eane]  intends 

to  do  about  our  affairs ;  and  how  our  worthy  friends  are  in  Jersies, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  173 

particularly  Miss  B[ancker]  and  Mr.  Lotts  Family  &  Cap1.  Randels 
Family.  I  am  exceeding  happy  that  you  have  once  more  got  out  of 
N.  York,  &  wish  sincerely  that  you  may  be  Exchang'd,  and  not  be 
obliged  to  return  to  that  disagreeable  place  that  you  have  been  in  so 
long. — I  wish  you  to  tell  Col?  Sheldon  that  you  want  to  see  me  very 
much. — Wright  me  by  Col.  T.  and  let  me  no  when  I  had  better  re- 
turn home,  I  suppose  that  e'er  long  you  will  go  to  see  my  Sisters  in 
Boston — I  can  consistantly  with  my  duty  leave  the  Reg1,  as  there  is 
two  Field  Officers,  three  Cap*5  four  Lieut!  &  five  Cornets,  to  Com- 
mand One  Hundred  &  Seven  men. — 

I  wish  you  to  send  your  Servant  to  Durham  for  my  Stone  Horse, 
as  I  hear  that  he  is  Rhode  every  Day,  and  let  my  Brother  put  him 
under  the  care  of  some  Carefull  hands,  that  he  may  be  taken  good 
Care  of — I  am  wishing  that  you  may  soon  be  exchanged. 

Your  afH  Brother 

John  Webb. 

We  have  just  Received  Orders  from  Gen1.  Mondergal  [McDou- 
gall]  to  March  to  Bedford,  if  you  have  any  Epalets  that  you  can 
spare  I  wish  you  to  send  them  me  with  my  Baggage. 


FROM   ADJUTANT    HOPKINS. 

Flat  Bush,  19  June,  1779. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

I  enclose  this  as  I  shall  every  opportunity  that  offers  to  write  the 
person  whom  most  I  sincerely  esteem  and  respect.  The  Colo,  must 
not  expect  from  his  Adjutant's  letters  the  ease  and  elegance  of  a 
Chesterfield,  or  the  eloquence  of  a  Chatham,  but  that  he  means  to 
inform  the  Colo,  (as  far  as  his  situation  will  permit)  of  many  things 
that  have  transpired  in  Limbshire  since  his  absence. 

A  list  of  characters  has  made  its  appearance.  A.  is  suspected  for 
the  A — th — r  [author?],  on  Gilded  Chariot  Wheels,  &c,  &c,  &c, 
&c. — It's  whispered  near  L — ve  L — n  [Love  Lane  ?]  that  a  great 
personage  who  lately  left  Limbobush  has  broke  off  all  connections 
with  a  noted  house  in  Amsterdam.  A  certain  young  Noble — n  who 
sometime  since  made  his  appearance  in  this  city  has  withdrawn  from 
the  corner  of  L — ve  L — n,  in  consequence  of  its  not  being  allowed 
that  he'd  an  elegant  head  of  hair. 


174         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Last  Tuesday  Capt.  Bulkley,  Mr.  Riley  and  myself  had  several 
gentlemen  to  dine  with  us  of  the  Colo's  acquaintance,  in  the  fields 
near  my  quarter.  Believe  me  I  may  say  with  propriety  that  a  table 
more  elegantly  furnished  has  not  made  its  appearance  in  Limbobush 
for  this  century  past.  There  was  fifteen  invited  but  only  ten  came, 
which  made  the  glorious  number  of  thirteen.  By  desire  of  the  pres- 
ident I  here  Enclose  a  copy  of  our  proceedings  copied  by  the  secre- 
tary to  the  president.  Mr.  B.  &  both  of  the  Mr.  C's  were  invited 
but  for  reasons  very  obvious  did  not  come.  Mr.  Fitzhugh  &  Ran- 
dolph present  their  most  respectfull  compliments.  They  would  have 
wrote,  but  they  say  its  customary  for  gentleman  who  leaves  this,  to 
first  inform  their  friends  they  leave  behind  where  to  direct  to  them. 
Major  Giles,  Capts.  Goodale,  Fauntleroy,  Willis,  Willing,  with  Mr. 
Robins,  Hall,  Bender,  Lloyd  &  Bradford  present  their  compliments 
to  the  Colonel.     Dear  Colonel,  I  still  remain,  your  Unfortunate  Ad'jt 

Elisha  Hopkins. 

(P.  S.)  My  best  compliments  to  Mr.  Webb  and  Family,  also  to 
Capt.  Jack.* 


FROM   JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  June  20,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your's  of  the  9*h  Instant  by  Cap.  Rankin,  &  was 
glad  to  find  you  had  got  safe  home  to  your  Friends ;  We  have  heard 
Nothing  yet  of  Gen1.  Phillips  or  Riedesel  \  I  observe  you  are  in  hopes 
of  some  Propositions  being  made  for  a  partial  Exchange  when  those 
Gentlemen  arrive ;  I  heartily  wish  you  may  not  be  disappointed,  for 
while  you  refuse  to  give  Us  any  Satisfaction  for  the  Officers  that  have 
violated  their  parole,  I  am  well  assured  the  Commander  in  Chief  will 
not  exchange  a  single  Officer.  We  should  have  no  Objection  to  ex- 
changing You  for  an  Officer  of  equal  rank  or  an  equivalent  of  those 
taken  in  the  Eagle  Packet  was  it  not  doing  great  Injustice  to  those 
of  the  Convention  &  others  that  have  been  so  much  longer  Prisoners 
and  although  it  is  the  only  Chance  you  have  of  being  speedily  ex- 
changed, yet  I  think  you  will  admit  the  Justice  of  our  Objection, 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  220.  The  toasts  are 
given  in  the  same  book,  394. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  175 

Whenever  I  can  be  of  Service  to  You,  You  may  rely  on  my  Atten- 
tion, but  I  fear  it  is  at  a  very  great  Distance.  You  know  I  have  been 
very  anxious  to  have  the  Account  of  those  Officers  who  had  broke 
their  parole  settled,  as  it  was  a  Bar  to  all  Exchanges,  &  for  which 
purpose  so  long  ago  as  last  February  I  acquainted  Col.  Beatty,  that 
the  Commander  in  Chief  was  willing  to  leave  it  to  the  Honor  of 
General  Washington  to  determine  in  any  doubtful  Case  among  those 
Officers,  that  We  only  asked  Reparation  for  any  Injury  received  by  a 
Breach  of  Honor  which  certainly  is  but  common  justice,  yet  We  re- 
ceived no  Satisfaction,  but  on  the  Contrary  have  been  put  off  from 
time  to  time  in  the  most  trifling  Manner,  and  now  I  find  by  your 
Commissioner's  Report  that  your  Commissary  informs  them  "that  a 
"great  Part  of  Those  comprehended  under  this  Description  were 
"either  not  Officers  at  all  or  effected  their  Escape  properly" — 
Among  so  great  a  Number  as  One  hundred  &  Sixteen  there  may  be 
some  found  under  Circumstances  which  perhaps  might  give  a  Colour 
to  this  Assertion,  but  can  We  do  more  than  leave  it  to  Your  Selves  to 
determine  in  that  Case ;  &  though  You  had  pretended  to  find  par- 
ticular Exceptions,  should  not  the  Remainder  have  been  returned  or 
accounted  for  immediately.     I  am  Sir 

Your  most  Obed1.  hum  Serv^ 

Jos  Loring, 

Com.  Genl  Pris1:5 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Mann's  Tavern  in  Wrentham 

Sunday  morn?  7  o'clock  4  July  79. 
Dear  Brother  : 

After  leaving  you  yesterday  we  jog'd  slpwly  on  like 
Darby  and  Jone,  saying  nothing,  but  much  thinking — 
this  parting  with  friends  is  very  disagreeable,  I  always 
comfort  myself  with  the  pleasing  Idea  we  part  to  meet 
again — lodg'd  at  Hedden's  21  miles  from  Boston,  and 
came  on  here  this  morning  to  Brakefast,  where  I  met 
Mr.  Stoddard  from  New  London  who  informs  that  a 


1 7  6         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JO  URNALS  OF 

prize  Brig  arrived  there  last  Wednesday  taken  by  the 
Hancock  Beaver  and  little  Cromwell.  She  was  from 
Hallifax  for  New  York  laden  with  Fish  &  Oyl  and 
about  700  Bushels  Irish  Potatoes, — he  says  that  'tis 
reported  the  Delaware  Frigate  is  taken  by  the  Boston 
and  Confederacy. 

Hetty  would  write  but  wishes  to  push  on  before  the 
Heat  of  the  day.  She  joins  me  in  the  affectionate  re- 
membrance to  you  &  family,  and  to  our  friends  at 
Ten-Hills. 

In  haste  I  am  yr.  Affec1.  Br. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   GATES. 
General  Gates  presents  his  Compliments  to  Col?  Webb — requests 
the  favour  of  his  Company  at  Dinner,  tomorrow,  at  the  Cold  Spring, 
to  Celebrate  the  Anniversary  of  the  Declaration  of  Independency,  & 
the  Success  of  the  Arms  of  the  United  States  in  South  Carolina. 
Sunday  Eve.  [Providence], 
July  4th,  1779. 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Providence,  Tuesday  Morn? 
6  July,  1779. 
Dear  Brother  : 

I  congratulate  you  on  the  arrival  of  a  large  and  val- 
uable prize  ship,  laden  with  provision  and  goods  at 
New  London, — taken  'tis  said  by  the  Revenge,  and  the 
two  little  privateers  The  Washington  and  Gates, — this 
I  think  will  more  than  clear  the  first  cost  of  our  shares 
and  I  wish  they  may  be  further  successfull.  I  set  off 
from  this  in  half  an  hour  and  intend  reaching  Wethers- 


ws  v  , 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  177 

field  on  Thursday  Evening  or  Friday  morning,  from 
whence  you  may  again  hear  from  me.  The  Philadel- 
phia paper  of  the  23^  Ultp,  confirms  the  ace1,  of  the 
defeat  of  the  British  before  Charlestown.  A  Gentle- 
man is  arrived  there  who  was  in  the  action,  &  says 
when  he  left,  they  were  nearly  surrounded  about  ten 
miles  from  the  Town. — 'tis  unaccountable  we  have  no 
regular  express  from  that  quarter, — General  Washing- 
ton has  ordered  Glover's  Brigade  from  this  to  join  him 
on  Hudson's  river  with  all  possible  dispatch,  seems 
confident  the  Enemy  mean  to  attack  him     *     *     * 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


TO    JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

Wethersfield,  July  9^,  1779. 
Dear  Wadsworth  : 

I  arrived  from  Boston  last  evening  when  I  found 
your  letter  of  the  1 7^  Ult°  which  would  have  been  an- 
swered by  the  earliest  conveyance  had  I  been  at  home, 
our  correspondence  shall  never  drop  by  my  neglect  I 
assure  you.  I  value  it  to  much  for  that, — I  am  now  at 
our  friend  Colts  where  I  found  a  man  going  direct  for 
Fish-kill,  and  tho'  your  letter  is  not  by  me  I  cannot  let 
pass  so  favorable  a  conveyance  without  informing  you 
I  am  in  a  State  of  existance,  &  if  I  could  get  my  parole 
from  New- York  I  might  add  happy — of  this  I  think 
there  is  a  favorable  prospect,  as  I  have  now  by  me  the 
British  Consul's  certificate  at  Corunna  for  four  Lt.  Col- 
onels one  Major  one  Capt  &  one  Cornet  taken  by  the 
Vengence  Privateer,  the  owners  of  which  have  politely 
said  that  if  one  would  not  do  for  me  I  was  welcome  to 
to  the  whole.     I  intend  seting  of  for  Head  Quarters  in 


178         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

about  ten  days  to  get  General  Washington  to  make 
demand  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  they  cannot  refuse  ex- 
changing me  with  any  propriety.  I  am  sorry  you  did 
not  see  Miss  B.  she  is  a  fine  Girl, — but  believe  me 
when  I  say  I  have  no  claim  but  that  of  Friendship — 
what  the  world  says  of  me  respecting  her,  they  say  of 
many  others — Common  fame  in  General  is,  you  know, 
a  dam'd  lyar, — I  mention  this  particularly  on  the  Lady's 
acct. — as  those  reports  are  by  no  means  advantageous 
unless  true, — that  she  is  one  of  my  favorites  I  am 
proud  to  own. 

Old  Connecticut  my  friend  begins  now  to  feel  the 
oppressive  hand  of  our  brutal  Enemy;  there  temporary 
possession  of  New  Haven,  and  the  wanton  distruction 
of  that  once  beautiful  Village,  Fairfield,  you  undoubt- 
edly will  hear  of  before  this  reaches  you,  it  has  in  some 
degree  roused  our  Countrymen  from  there  lethergy, 
they  are  preparing  to  march  on  the  shortest  notice 
wherever  called, — only  think  of  it  they  are  going  to 
work  on  Sunday  (instead  of  praying)  to  get  in  the 
Harvest  that  they  may  be  ready  to  move, — this  for  the 
Holy  Land  is  something  new, — Capt.  Heillhouse  with 
a  few  Inhabitants  and  some  Collegians  did  himself  im- 
mortal Honor  at  New  Haven — would  all  the  Militia 
follow  there  example  we  should  soon  have  an  end  to 
this  War, — a  prize  arrived  last  week  at  Salem  from 
Glascow  for  N.  York,  with  3600  Barrels  flour,  the 
privateers  in  General  have  great  success  lets  here  from 
you  soon.  I  shall  write  again  the  first  opportunity,  in 
the  Interim  I  am 

much  your  friend  &  Hum  Servt 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  179 

O — the  Congress — I  wish  my  cursing  them  would 
make  them  better — I  expected  ere  this  they  would 
have  fullfiir  there  promise  to  me  but * 


TO    JOSEPH    BARREL!.. 

Wethersfield,  Sunday 
11  July,  1779. 
Dear  Brother  : 

Our  sister  and  myself  arrived  here  Thursday  last 
after  a  warm  disagreeable  ride,  and  found  our  friends 
in  a  state  of  Health,  but  the  whole  Country  in  an  up- 
roar; the  Enemy  about  2000  under  the  infamous  Gov- 
ernor Tryon,  have  been  at  New-Haven — they  took 
possession  of  the  Town  on  Monday  last,  there  being 
only  about  100  of  the  Militia  to  oppose  them;  the 
young  Men  of  the  Town  and  the  Collegians,  behaved 
gallantly,  fought  them  as  long  as  it  could  be  of  service. 
In  the  action  we  lost  about  20  of  that  number,  on  Tues- 
day they  embarked  after  plundering  the  Town  and 
burning  a  few  stores,  went  over  to  East  Haven  and 
burnt  all  the  Buildings  next  the  Shore;  from  this  they 
took  sniping  and  went  for  Fairfield,  where  they  landed 
&  took  possession  without  opposition,  the  Militia  being 
dismissed  after  the  Enemy  embarked  at  New  Haven, 
under  an  Idea  that  they  had  returned  to  N.  York — and 
the  Harvest  suffering.  At  12  o'Clock  Thursdav  ni^ht 
they  sent  a  Flag  to  the  Inhabitants  who  had  collected 
on  the  Heights  out  of  Town,  acquainting  them  if  they 
would  come  in  give  up  their  arms  and  swear  allegiance 
to  George  the  Third  the  Town  should  be  preserved, 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 


180         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

they  returned  for  answer,  that  the  Town  was  but  a 
secondary  object,  and  that  they  should  never  submit  to 
the  Government  of  Britains  Tyrant,  the  Enemy  went 
immediately  to  plundering,  and  at  seven  oClock  set  fire 
to  the  Town  which  now  remains  a  heap  of  rubish — 
This  Village  was  large  &  as  beautifull  as  any  in  this 
State,  the  buildings  large  and  elegant,  to  add  to  the 
misfortune,  the  Inhabitants  had  not  time  to  remove  any 
of  their  property,  so  that  many  reputable  worthy 
familys  are  reduced  from  a  State  of  affluence  to  Pov- 
erty. Thus  are  these  wretches  the  Servants  and 
Slaves  of  George  the  Third,  burning  defenceless  Towns 
and  wageing  War  against  innocent  Women  &  Chil- 
dren.— a  Child  of  three  years  old  was  taken  from  the 
Arms  of  its  mother  and  thrown  into  the  flames,  and  the 
mother  to  stop  her  shrieks  knock'd  down  with  a 
Musket,  a  Man  who  was  taken  prisoner  being  an  old 
Countryman,  was  rolH  in  a  sheet  bound  fast — the  sheet 
wet  with  rum  and  set  fire  to — in  this  situation  just  be- 
fore he  expired  our  people  found  him,  several  negro 
servants  who  were  left  to  take  care  of  their  Masters 
property  were  burnt  alive  for  attempting  to  extinguish 
the  fire — indeed  my  friend  this  last  excursion  of  theirs 
has  been  mark'd  with  more  savage  cruelty  than  before 
known,  for  which  may  God  reward  them.  I  am  happy 
to  tell  you  it  has  had  a  very  good  effect  on  the  people, 
the  Tory  and  Timid  Whig  now  join  in  determining  to 
take  Arms  with  their  virtuous  Countryman  and  sware 
revenge — I  have  never  seen  the  people  so  universally 
ready  to  take  the  Field  since  the  Lexington  Battle. — 
This  morn?  an  Express  informs  that  4000  of  the 
Enemy  have  march' d  from  Kings  bridge  and  had  got 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  181 

as  far  as  Horseneck.  The  fleet  under  Tryon  with 
2000  still  in  the  sound,  so  that  it  appears  they  are 
determined  to  burn  all  our  Sea  coasts— The  Militia  far 
and  near  are  under  Marching-  orders,  and  wait  but  the 
signal  to  move.  Two  Brigades  of  Continentals  are  on 
the  March  from  Hudson's  river.  I  wish  they  may 
have  it  in  their  power  to  meet  the  British,  they  give  out 
they  intend  to  penetrate  into  the  Heart  of  this  state. — 
I  wish  most  fervently  they  would  attempt  it,  but  I 
rather  fear  they  will  not  go  far  from  their  shiping — let 
me  hear  from  you  respecting  Penobscott — I  intend  in  a 
day  or  two  to  proceed  to  Head  Quarters,  my  absence 
from  this  will  not  be  long,  on  my  return  you  shall  hear 
from  me.  My  Love  is  with  Martha  and  Abby  and 
your  little  ones — something  of  the  same  nature  hovers 
about  Ten-Hills.  Kiss  them  all  for  your  friend  &  very 
Affectionate  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 
Monday  Morn?  We  are  just  informed  the  Enemy 
have  burnt  Norwalk,  I  fear  its  too  true — enclosed  you 
have  an  order  drew  by  my  Br.  on  Mr.  Babcock  for 
^iooo  Law.  M>[  ,  which  if  paid  Credit  to  my  Ace1, 
against  my  share  of  the  Washington  &  Gates — should 
it  not  be  paid,  let  me  know  and  I  will  forward  the 
money  the  first  safe  conveyance.  New  London  Har- 
bour remains  blocked  up.  The  Carolina  news  has  lost 
all  Credit — was  there  ever  such  a  hum  run  thro:  the 
Continent? 


1 82         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HARRISON. 

New  Windsor,  July  14th  1779. 
Dear  Webb: 

Agreable  to  your  request  when  We  parted,  I  inform  you,  that  Con- 
gress on  the  3?  ulto  Resolved,  "That  the  Commander  in  Chief  be 
authorised  to  make  such  and  so  many  parole  exchanges  as  he  shall 
from  time  to  time  judge  beneficial  or  expedient  " — 

This  Resolution  you  will  perceive  does  not  point  out  any  particu- 
lar persons  to  be  exchanged — and  of  course  the  General  is  obliged 
to  take  up  the  business  upon  a  general  plan.  He  has  directed  the 
commissary  to  go  as  extensively  into  the  relief  of  our  Officers  as  he 
can — and  if  the  Enemy  are  not  highly  unreasonable  and  will  go  as 
largely  into  the  business  as  Mr.  Beatty  is  authorized  to  do — the 
greater  part  or  at  least  a  great  proportion  of  our  Friends  will  be  re- 
leased. M\  Beatty  is  gone  to  meet  M*  Loring  upon  the  occasion, 
which  has  been  put  off  thro  necessity,  as  there  were  several  points  to 
be  inquired  into  and  fixed  respecting  prisoners,  charged  by  the 
Enemy  as  Officers  and  Violaters  of  parole,  before  an  interview  could 
take  place,  which  could  not  be  adjusted  till  a  few  days  ago. 

I  shall  be  very  happy,  my  friend,  if  you  should  be  restored  to  your 
acquaintances  even  upon  this  footing.  A  final  exchange  would  be 
still  better ;  but  we  must  take  things  as  we  find  them.  I  did  not 
think  it  worth  while  to  write  you,  before  matters  were  in  train. — If 
your  release  is  effected — you  shall  know  it  by  the  first  oppportunity. 
I  must  be  done.  I  am  D*  Webb 

Y'  Aff l.  Hb.le  Serv* 

Rob.  H.  Harrison.* 


FROM  NANCY  JOHNSON. 

Stratford,  15  July,  1779. 
The  assurance  of  the  continuance  of  your  friendship,  Col :  Webb, 
gave  me  satisfaction,  as  my  esteem  for  you  remained  unaltered. 

I  have  ever,  from  the  first,  lamented  your  disagreeable  situation  in 
being  a  Prisoner,  and  wished  you  to  obtain  an  exchange  as  you  de- 
sired. 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  183 

I  now  congratulate  you  in  being  once  more  with  your  Friends,  & 
hope  you  will  no  more  be  obliged  to  leave  them  to  live  among  those 
who  must  be  disagreeable  to  you.  Since  no  one  can  have  all  their 
wishes  gratified  in  this  world,  we  must  endeavor  to  be  content  with 
what  we  can  obtain.  We  have  need  of  much  Philosophy  to  bear 
with  tolerable  patience  the  disagreeables  of  this  Life.  Religion  alone 
can  support  us  in  real  Calamities — the  only  way  to  bear  present  Ills, 
as  we  ought,  is  by  extending  our  views  to  a  better  world,  and  hoping 
fortune  good. — 

"  That  gen'rous  hope,  whence  every  Joy  below 
"  Its  spirit  draws,  and  every  pain  its  balm." 

Is  it  not  folly  in  an  high  degree  to  give  it  for  any  advantage  here, 
where  all  is  varying,  uncertain  &  unsatisfying? 

Our  situation  in  these  Towns  along  the  seacoast,  is  very  Distress- 
ful. I  know  your  generous  feeling  heart  will  pity  the  unhappy  suf- 
ferers— my  heart  bleeds  for  them.  O  !  destructive  War  !  O  !  bar- 
barous fury  of  inhuman  Britons !  may  Heaven  defend  us  from  their 
rage  !  terror  &  anxiety  torment  my  mind. 

Had  it  happened  to  be  convenient  to  you  to  pass  thro'  Stratford, 
your  Friends  here  would  have  been  glad  to  see  you.  Miss  Walker 
and  our  Family,  desire  me  to  assure  you  of  their  friendly  remem- 
brance &  good  wishes ;  they  all  were  glad  to  hear  of  your  return 
from  N.  York. — I  sincerely  wish  you  Happiness,  Col?  Webb,  and 
with  real  esteem  am  Your  friend 

N.  Johnson. 


TO    JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

Head  Quarters,  24*  July,  1 779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Our  friend  Harrisson  is  so  very  busy  that  he  cannot 
at  present  attend  to  that  matter  of  Chester's — he 
promises  to  do  it  and  have  it  with  you — I  wish  you 
would  put  him  in  mind  of  it  and  get  it  Sworn  to  as  its 
a  matter  of  consequence.     I  go  from  this  so  soon  as 


184        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

my  Horses  arrive,  and  shall  proceed  to  Horse  neck, 
and  have  the  strongest  Idea  that  I  shall  soon  be  a 
Freeman — God  bess  you.     Adieu  Yours, 

S.  B.  Webb. 


TO    JOSHUA    LORING. 

Horsneck,  July  271? ,  1779. 
Sir: 

After  a  long  jaunt  and  great  pains  I  have  obtained 
the  British  Consul's  Certificate  for  the  Officers  taken 
in  Eagle  Packet  and  landed  in  Spain,  of  which  the  In- 
closd  is  an  exact  Coppy  of  the  Original  now  with  me— 
had  not  the  Army  been  between  this  and  Kingsbridge 
I  should  have  proceeded  near  that  Post  and  made  you 
acquainted  with  my  Business,  as  it  is  I  have  requested 
a  Gentleman  who  lives  at  this  place  to  go  down  under 
the  Sanction  of  a  Flag  and  request  Col°  Simes  or 
Emerick,  to  forward  you  this  &  wait  your  answer — my 
desire  is  that  you  would  be  so  obliging  as  to  meet  me 
somewhere  Between  this  and  New  York,  to  settle  the 
Exchange  of  the  Officers  above  referred  to  having  full 
power  on  our  part  to  do  as  I  think  proper,  and  I  doubt 
not  we  shall  agree  on  the  Terms  without  the  least  diffi- 
culty, if  it  should  Be  your  Choice  I  should  go  to  New 
York  on  the  Business  By  Land  cr  water,  I  shall  not 
hesitate  to  comply,  though  it  would  be  more  agreeable 
that  I  could  meet  you  as  first  propos'd;  In  your  letter 
of  20fc.h  Ult°  you  say  I  cannot  Expect  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
will  Agree  to  any  exchange  till  such  time  as  those  per- 
sons who  have  violated  their  Paroles  are  first  accounted 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  Hartford. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  185 

for — the  inclos'd  coppy  of  an  order  published  a  few- 
days  since  in  our  newspapers,  will  I  hope  convince  you 
that  Gen1.  Thompson  and  myself  made  a  proper  repre- 
sentation of  their  conduct,  and  I  am  authorized  to  say, 
every  Officer  who  has  Violated  his  parole  will  be  ac- 
counted for — as  I  am  at  this  place  solely  on  the  busi- 
ness I  have  mentioned  you  will  much  oblige  me,  by 
naming  the  time  and  place  of  our  meeting  as  early  as 
possible,  Mr.  Frink  the  bearer  will  wait,  (if  he  can 
obtain  permission)  till  this  Can  be  sent  to  New  York 
and  your  answer  obtain'd,  I  am  more  anxious  as  I  am 
Confident  we  shall  immediately  agree  on  the  terms. 
I  am  Sr  Yr. 
Most  Obed1.  Hume  Serv*. 

S.  B.  Webb. 


SILAS   DEANE  TO    SIMON   DEANE. 

Philadelphia,  July  27th,  1779. 
Dear  Brother  : 

I  sent  you  a  Diet?  ,  by  Mons  :  De  Francy,  which  doubt  not  you 
have  received,  but  untill  I  have  Lett1:3  from  you  acknowledging  it 
will  make  no  Use  of  it.  We  are  here  in  the  greatest  possible 
Anarchy  &  Confusion.  On  Saturday  Night  the  House  of  M*  Hum- 
phreys a  respectable  Citizen,  &  as  True,  &  brave  a  Whig,  as  any  in 
this  State  was  forced  by  the  Rabble,  excited,  &  led  on,  by  Two  of  the 
Committee.  He  was  from  Home,  but  returned,  just  after  they  had 
entered  in  search  of  him.  They  had  knocked  down,  and  Wounded 
his  Sister  a  Young  Lady  in  the  House,  and  were  retiring  just  as  He 
made  his  Way  thro,  them  into  his  House ;  He  armed  himself,  and 
stood  on  his  defence,  whilst  they  insulted,  and  Abused  him,  and  to 
intimidate  Him,  led  up  a  File  of  Soldiers  armed,  but  He  bravely  de- 
fied them  all  Unitedly,  and  without  any  Assistance  from  the  Author- 
ity of  the  City  or  his  Neighbors,  dispersed  them.  This  daring 
outrage,  tho.  not  the  greatest  that  has  been  committed  here,  has 


i86        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

alarmed  the  Citizens,  &  yesterday  there  was  a  Town  Meeting,  at 
which  the  Committee  found  themselves  greatly  embarrass'd  and  were 
severely  censured ;  MT.  R  Morriss  was  acquitted  of  every  Charge, 
and  greatly  applauded,  this  indeed  looks  favorable,  but  the  Meeting 
stands  adjourned  untill  this  Morning,  &  the  proceedings  of  this  Day, 
will  shew  what  will  probably  be  the  Event,  the  Contest  is  between 
the  Respectable  Citizens,  of  Fortune  &  Character,  opposed  to  the 
Constitution  of  this  State,  and  People  in  lower  Circumstances,  & 
Reputation,  headed  by  Leaders  well  qualified  for  their  Business,  & 
supposed  to  be  secretly  supported,  by  the  Pres*  &  Council  How- 
ever Things  may  End,  It  may  at  this  Instant  be  truely  said,  there 
are  few  unhappier  Cities,  on  the  Globe  than  Philad*  ,  the  reverse  of 
its  Name,  is  its  present  Character,  which  I  hope  will  not  be  its  situa- 
tion for  any  Time,* 

It  is  a  Melancholy  Reflection  to  Think,  that  whilst  Our  Common 
Enemy,  is  Wasting  Our  Sea  Coasts,  &  laying  Our  fairest,  &  most 
peaceable  Towns,  in  Ashes,  We  are  quarrelling  among  Ourselves,  and 
can  scarcely  be  constrained  from  plunging  Our  Swords  in  each  oth- 
ers Bosoms.  Fairfield,  Norwalk,  &  the  Country  between  them,  are 
Plundered,  &  burnt  to  almost  the  last  House  by  the  Enemy,  N 
Haven  was  Plundered,  &  the  Stores  on  the  Wharf  burned,  and  many 
Houses  in  E  Haven,  the  individual  Acts  of  Barbarity  You  must  sup- 
pose many,  &  Atrocious,  they  are  so,  almost  beyond  description,  or 
Example  The  Enemy  have  evacuated  the  State ;  The  Surprise  of 
their  Garrison  at  Stoney  Point  was  a  most  gallant  Affair  And  con- 
ducted in  some  degree,  to  make  them  retire  from  Connecticut. 
Lord  Cornwallis  is  arrived  at  New  York  with  some  Recruits,  &  it  is 
given  out  that  Adm1.  Arbuthnot  may  be  daily  expected  with  a  large 
Reinforcement  I  doubt  it,  though  Our  Friends  in  France,  write 
positively,  on  the  subject.  He  must  have  sailed  in  May,  which  in- 
duces Me  to  think  his  Destination  changed,  &  that  his  being  bound 
to  America  was  given  Out  rather  as  a  blind.  I  send  you  inclosed 
Two  Lett?5  from  M*  Limozin  which  I  opened,  impatient  for  News 
from  France,  from  whence  I  receive  Nothing  by  Letter,  pray  write 
Me  Your  situation  and  What  You  have  Suffered,  also  how  the  Land 

*  A  very  good  picture  of  the  disturbed  condition  of  Philadelphia  in  1779  is  given 
in  Reed,  Life  and  Correspondence  of  President  Reedy  ii.,  137. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  187 

Office  goes  on.  I  send  you  part  of  Two  Papers  by  which  you  will 
see  how  Payne  [Thomas  Paine]  is  handled,  there  are  Two  more  still 
severer  but  I  have  them  not  by  Me  at  this  Time.  The  Verses  merit 
preserving. 

Our  Brother  B.  D.  is  gone  to  Boston,  he  has  been  successful  in 
Privateering  lately,  in  the  Mars  particularly. 

I  am  my  D*  Brother  most  Affectionately 

Your's  S.  Deane. 

28!h  I  miss'd  the  Post  of  yesterday,  &  will  now  add  briefly,  the 
transactions  of  the  Day.  At  Nine  oClock  Two  or  Three  Hun- 
dred Men  of  the  lower  Orders  of  the  People  armed  with  large  Staves 
or  Bludgeons  with  Drum  &  Fife  entered  the  State  House  Yard,  and 
Stationed  themselves  Near  The  Hustings,  soon  after  a  large  Number 
of  Citizens  of  the  first  Character  entered.  A  few  Resolutions  passed, 
when  Gen1.  Cadwallader  offering  to  Speak  the  Phalanx  prepared  for 
the  purpose  raised  such  a  Noise  that  He  could  not  be  heard,  the 
Chairman  call'd  to  Order  and  put  the  Question  if  He  should  be 
heard,  a  very  great  Majority  declared  for  the  hearing  of  him.  But  the 
Moment  He  began,  He  was  interrupted  by  the  same  party,  with  their 
Shouts,  striking,  &  cracking  of  their  Sticks  against  each  other  &c,  on 
this  He  with  His  Friends  amounting  to  near  Three  fourths  present,  to 
prevent  the  most  fatal  as  well  as  disgraceful  Consequences  retired  in 
a  Body  to  the  College  where  they  formed  a  Meeting  &  went  on  with 
their  Business,  &  appointing  a  Comm.  to  protest  against  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  other  party,  they  came  to  several  Resolutions  and  Ad- 
journed The  party  left  in  the  State  House  yard  also  went  on,  & 
passed  a  Number  of  Resolutions,  such  as  might  be  expected  from 
them,  &  then  broke  up.  Thus  The  Two  Parties  are  pitted  against 
each  other,  each  making  Proselytes  as  fast  as  possible,  against  an- 
other Tryal  of  their  Forces  meantime  the  Minister  has  taken  up  the 
Insult  offered  to  M*  Holker,  &  thro,  him,  to  his  Most  Christian 
Majesty  by  the  late  Committee  in  a  perious  Stile,  &  demanded  satis- 
faction j  This  will  I  hope  bring  some  of  these  Leaders  to  their  Sen- 
ses, but  some  of  them  I  have  no  doubt  have  their  Views,  &  their 
Interest  so  strongly  &  deeply  fixed  in  promoting  Anarchy  &  Confu- 
sion, That  Nothing  will  call  them  off  the  desperate  Course  they  are 
pursuing,  some  of  them  I  doubt  not  are  well  paid  for  all  This  by  the 
Enemy ;  and  sure  I  am,  the  Enemy  is  now  gaining  more,  by  this 


188        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

kind  of  Campaign,  than  by  any  other  they  can  devise  or  plan.  I  am 
now  seriously  intent  on  leaving  the  City  as  soon  as  possible,  without 
any  further  reference  to  Congress,  for  I  see  no  probability  of  their 
waking  from  the  Lethargy  they  are  in,  and  Attending  to  Business  of 
the  utmost  importance,  in  a  regular  and  decisive  Manner.  The 
Report  is  that  Lord  Cornwallis  and  the  Fleet  are  arrived,  but  Ace*5 
of  the  Troops  uncertain,  some  say  Five  Thousand  some  More,  if  they 
are  really  arrived  I  expect  a  large  detachment  of  them  will  be  em- 
ployed in  Maneuvring,  with  Gen1.  Washington,  &  in  destroying  Our 
Coasts  Or  that  their  Fleet  and  a  principal  part  of  their  Army  will 
strike  on  some  part  Eastward,  perhaps  Attempt  Boston  whether  I 
shall  go  Northward  or  Southward  first  is  uncertain,  but  I  shall  leave 
the  Continent  the  Moment  I  can  do  it  with  probable  Safety,  of  Ar- 
riving, in  the  first  Neutral,  or  Friendly  Port,  pray  let  Me  know  what 
Bromfield  &  Roach  are  doing,  their  Conduct  is  very  surprising  and 
they  do  not  write  Us  one  Word.     I  am  ever  my  Dear  Brother* 

Most  Affectionately 

Yours  &c 

S.  Deane. 


FROM   JOSHUA   LORING. 

New  York,  July  31*  ,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  have  but  this  Moment  received  yours  of  the  27*  Ins'  and  in 
reply  Thereto  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  I  met  Col1.  Beatty  at 
Eliz*1  Town  on  the  20*  Instant  respecting  an  exchange  of  all  your 
Officers  that  had  broke  Parole  \\  the  proposals  that  he  made  was 
that  all  whose  turns  it  had  come  to  should  be  finally  exchanged,  & 
accounted  for  immediatly,  for  the  remainder,  a  like  number  of 
British  Officers  of  equal  ranks  to  be  sent  in,  &  held  on  Parole  until 
finally  exchanged — in  the  latter  you  are  included  with  a  Brigd1:  for 
one  of  the  Major  Generals  to  be  sent  in,  being  according  to  Gen1 
Conway  Cartel  an  equivalent — but  should  our  respective  Comman- 
ders in  Chief,  chuse  to  make  this  Exchange  a  final  One  there  will  be 
no  further  difficulty — The  Officers  taken  by  the  Vengence  Privateer 

*  From  the  Cabinet  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society, 
t  Writings  of  Washington,  viii.,  32. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  189 

are  all  included  in  this  Exchange  on  Parole,  and  of  Course  Credit 
given  you  for  them — but  we  cannot  finally  exchange  them  in  prefer- 
ence to  others  who  have  been  so  much  longer  in  Captivity,  therefore 
our  meeting  could  be  to  no  effect,  as  it  is  determined  to  exchange 
Brig1:5  Gen1.  Thompson,  Waterbury,  Col1.  McGaw  &  yourself  for 
Major  Gen!5  Phillips  &  Reidsell,  there  being  no  Tariff  settled  be- 
tween Us,  we  cannot  have  a  better  Presedent  than  Gen!  Conways, 
and  as  I  know  your  anxiety  to  effect  this  Business  let  me  advise  to 
Gen!  Phillips  &  Reidsell  being  sent  in  as  soon  as  Possible,  for  it  is 
a  long  time  that  We  have  expected  them,  and  then  do  you  propose 
the  Exchange  being  made  final ;  when  I  assure  You  that  our  meet- 
ing could  be  to  no  Purpose,  having  settled  every  thing  with  Col1 
Beatty  and  from  which  I  cannot  deviate,  I  hope  you  will  excuse  me, 
and  believe  that  I  am  with  due  respect — 

Your  Most  Obedient  & 
Most  Humble  Servant, 

Jos  Loring 

Com.  Gen1   ¥x\&? 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL   GLOVER. 

RlDGEFIELD  I  Aug*    1 779. 

Dear  Colo  : 

Your  esteem'"?  favor  of  yesterday  is  now  before  me  ;  thank  you  for 
the  Intelligence  which  agrees  with  accot5  rec'd  by  several  Deserters, 
Come  into  my  post  within  a  few  days  past — Should  Philadelphia,  be 
ye  enemy's  Object  which  I  think  may  be  easily  effected  by  ye  Jer- 
seys, or  by  Chesepeak,  (either  of  which  would  Divide  &  give  us 
Trouble)  the  Latter,  I  think  most  Likely,  to  take  place ;  but  Cannot 
suppose  it  to  be  their  intention,  they  having  by  experience  found, 
that  place  did  not  answer  their  purposes — 

Should  they  bend  their  force  East,  it  would  Harrass  our  army,  and 
Distress  ye  Inhabitance,  but  Cannot  see  what  advantages  would 
accrew  to  them ;  they  Cannot  establish  a  post  to  act  offenceively, 
Should  they  be  so  infatuated,  it  would  so  Divide  them  they  must  be 
oblig'd  to  Act  altogether  on  ye  Defencive — 

Upon  the  whole,  if  ye  N.  River  is  given  up,  I  think  Charlestown, 
will  be,  their  next  Object,  the  force  their  being  found  insufficient  to 


i9o        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Conquor  or  bring  that  part  of  ye  Country  to  terms  they  wish — I 
wish  you  may  succeed  in  your  much  wish'd  for  exchange,  and  that 
you  may  have  the  pleasure  of  being  at  ye  head  of  your  Regiment 
again. — Gen'l  How  arrived  yesterday,  if  any  allterration  in  ye  Dis- 
possition  of  ye  troops  takes  place,  its  probable,  you  may  find  me  at 
Lower  Salim,  or  Pound  Ridge,  where  I  shall  be  happy  to  see  you  at 
your  Return. —  I  am  Dear  Col.  Your 

Most  Obd4.  Hb.le  Serv* 

Jn?  Glover.* 


FROM    COLONEL   BEATTY. 

Head  Quarters,  West  Point 
Augt  9th,  1779. 

j,  Yours  of  the  3^  Inst1,  is  before  me.     I  am  not  a  little  surprised 

at  the  Stile  in  which  you  write — you  are  certainly  too  well  acquainted 

with  the  Line  of  Duty  prescribed  me  to  conceive  I  should  either 

injure  you  in  an  Exchange  or  interfere  in  a  matter  which  comes  not 

within  my  Cognizance. 

The  certificate  given  Capt  Newman  is  perfectly  private,  nor  is  he 
amenable  even  to  the  State  for  his  Conduct  in  the  disposal  of  those 
Prisoners.  In  this  light  so  far  from  having  it  in  my  power  to  nego- 
ciate  Exchanges  for  them,  I  have  not  even  a  negative  in  the  case. 

I  will  not  say  that  Mr.  Loring  has  designedly  misinformed  you  but 
certain  I  am  he  has  most  egregiously  misunderstood  me,  as  I  am 
confident  no  mention  whatsoever  was  made  of  those  Prisoners  during 
the  whole  of  our  Conference  and  indeed  till  this  time  I  was  a  per- 
fect Stranger  to  either  their  Rank  or  numbers.  In  answer  to  that 
part  of  your  letter  in  which  you  insist  upon  my  attending  imme- 
diately to  the  Exchanges  of  yourself,  Capt.  Bulkley  and  the  other 
officers  of  your  Regm*  ,  I  must  beg  leave  to  Observe  that  in  point  of 
Friendship,  I  know  no  person  who  I  wou'd  sooner  Serve  in  this  way 
than  Col?  Webb ;  but  as  Commissi  of  Prisoners,  he,  with  the  rest 
must  remain  with  the  Enemy  untill  the  time  of  their  Capture  entitles 
them  to  an  Exchange  without  injury  to  their  Brethren  in  Captivity. 

I  cannot  omit  taking  notice  here  of  the  manner  in  which  Mr. 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  191 

Loring  has  expressed  himself  to  you  in  his  letter  of  the  31^  ult?  He 
says  "  Colo1.  Beatty  met  him  on  the  Business  of  Officers  who  made 
"  Breach  of  Parole ;  those  whose  turn  of  Exchange  has  already  come 
"were  to  be  immediately  accounted  for;  for  the  remainder  a  like 
"number  of  British  officers  were  to  be  returned,  to  be  held  on 
"Parole  until  finally  Exchanged,"  and  then  immediately  adds  "in 
"the  Latter  you  are  included  with  a  Brigadier  for  one  of  the  Major 
"Generals." 

Either  he  has  intended  to  Convey  to  you  some  false  Ideas  relative 
to  our  Negotiation  or  must  include  you  in  the  list  of  Officers  who 
have  made  breach  of  Parole.  It's  true  we  treated  upon  this  Subject, 
but  entirely  distinct  from  that  of  Parole  breakers,  and  even  here  I 
informed  Mr.  Loring  I  should  observe  the  same  Line  of  Conduct  as 
in  absolute  Exchanges,  viz.  coinciding  exactly  with  the  time  of  their 
capture. 

Mr.  Loring  cannot  certainly  be  serious  when  he  says  "  they  were 
included  in  the  Exchanges  on  Parole"  as  I  do  assure  you  they  were 
not  once  mentioned  :  and  his  reason  for  not  finally  Exchanging 
them  is  truly  ridiculous,  had  he  Examined  the  Certificate  given  by 
the  Consul  at  Corunna  he  must  have  observed  that  they  were  "re- 
leased and  set  at  Liberty"  without  any  Condition  or  restrictions 
whatsoever,  other  than  that  a  like  return  of  American  Prisoners 
should  be  given  up  for  them,  how  then  from  this  can  he  infer  that 
they  are  only  to  be  held  on  Parole  while  the  others  are  (if  they 
please)  in  actual  service.  Were  I  to  negociate  this  matter  I  should 
insist  that  they  were  accounted  for  immediately,  the  nature  of  the 
Certificate  supposes  it  &  Justice  demands  it. 

I  thank  you  for  the  hint  given  me  of  our  Friend  N. C. 

I  have  heard  nothing  from  him  since  I  see  you,  probably  owing  to 
my  not  writing  him,  if  you  have  leisure  &  think  I  can  render  you 
any  Service  in  this  difficulty,  you  will  always  find  me  at  this  place  or 
where  ever  Head  Quarters  may  be.  Compliments  to  Your  Bro*  and 
believe  me  to  be  your  Mo  :  Ob1.  &  very 

Hum1.  Serv* 

Jn?  Beatty. 


i92         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  Tuesday  Evening 
io  August,  1779. 
Dear  Barrell  : 

I  wrote  you  by  yesterday's  post  but  had  not  then 
time  to  be  so  particular  as  I  wish'd;  by  Mr.  Riley  who 
sets  off  tomorrow  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you 
that  on  my  arrival  at  Head  Quarters,  General  Wash- 
ington politely  returned  the  certificate  with  full  powers 
to  negotiate  the  exchange  as  I  tho't  proper,  from  this 
I  proceeded  to  our  out  posts  and  by  a  Flag  wrote  Mr. 
Loring  (in  which  I  enclosed  a  copy  of  the  certificate) 
and  requested  him  to  meet  me,  acquainting  him  at  the 
same  time  that  I  was  fully  authorized  to  exchange  them. 
After  waiting  a  week  I  received  for  answer  that  it 
was  quite  needless  for  him  to  meet  me,  as  he  had 
lately  been  with  our  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  and 
agreed  on  Major  General  Phillips  and  Riedesel  being 
sent  in,  Brigdr.  Generals  Thompson,  Waterbury,  Col- 
Magaw  and  myself  should  be  at  Liberty,  and  I  have 
since  found  the  two  first  named  are  sent  for  from  Vir- 
ginia, so  that  I  have  reason  to  suppose  three  or  four 
weeks  at  farthest  will  release  me — however  for  fear  of 
accidents  I  have  kept  the  certificate  by  me,  nor  do  I 
intend  giving  it  up  'till  my  Exchange  is  final. 

I  find  that  a  prize  or  two  of  the  Gates's  has  got  in  to 
the  Eastward.  Shall  be  glad  to  know  how  they  turn 
out — I  think  they  must  have  cleared  us  before  this — 
We  are  all  extremely  anxious  about  the  Penobscott 
Fleet,  knowing  that  several  King's  ships  have  sail'd 
about  Twenty  days  since  from  New  York — Your  Dam'd 
Prison  ships  ought  to  be  better  guarded,  let  them  die 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  193 

as  ours  do  in  New  York  from  three  to  Eight  a  day, — 
if  no  other  way  follow  the  example  of  our  Enemy  shut 
them  close  under  deck  at  sunset  and  starve  them  on 
two  oz.  of  pork  by  day.  Cruelty  is  oftentimes  produc- 
tive of  the  best  consequences,  and  terminates  in  hu- 
manity. However,  the  best  way  is  to  exchange  our 
poor  fellows  who  are  thus  suffering,  which  will  render 
cruelty  unnecessary. 

We  are  told  that  Mr.  [Sam.]  W[hit]e  has  at  length 
Het  the  Temple  [Hetty  Temple],  let  him  bow  at  the 
shrine,  and  if  he  does  not  worship  with  zeal,  Fervency 
and  a  true  manly  feeling,  I'll  venture  to  say  he  has  not 
half  the  Religion  about  him  that  attends  your  Hume. 
Serv*.  — Good  Luck  attend  them. 

We  have  no  news  in  this  quarter  but  that  the 
Enemy  have  abandoned  their  design  against  Charles- 
town.  General  Greene  in  his  letter  to  me  of  the  6l.h 
Ins1,  says  "We  have  certain  accounts  that  the  Enemy 
have  returned  from  before  Charlestown  and  are  all 
gone  back  to  Savanna  &  Beaufort  in  Georgia." 

A  fleet  is  prepareing  to  sail  from  N.  York  with 
Troops.  We  conjecture  they  must  be  bound  to  the 
Southward  as  they  have  taken  on  Board  their  heavy 
Baggage,  Artillery,  Waggons  &c,  and  the  officers  lay 
in  from  three  to  five  Months'  stores — this  may  be  de- 
pended on,  as  I  saw  a  man  who  left  N.  York  about  six 
days  since,  haveing  been  sent  there  for  intelligence. 

Remember  me  to  the  circle  of  our  friends.  Hetty 
desires  her  Love  to  you,  as  does  your  Affect  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

P.  S.  We  expect  Jack  to  pay  us  a  visit  in  ab\  ten 
days.     I  wish  Martha  was  in  a  proper  condition  for  you 


194         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

to  accompany  her  here ;  I  think  we  should  have  a  few 
social  hours.     Adieu.* 


FROM   JOSEPH   BARRELL. 

Boston,  12  August,  1779. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  should  have  wrote  you  before  since  yr.  Departure,  but  [for]  the 
uncertainty  of  your  situation.  I  embrace  this  first  moment  after  I 
am  assured  of  your  return  to  Wethersfield,  to  assure  you  that  I  am 
rejoiced  you  have  a  fair  prospect  of  an  exchange,  and  shall  be 
heartily  glad  when  it  is  effected.  *  *  *  I  shan't  write  him 
[Joseph  Webb]  by  this  post,  as  I  wrote  fully  yesterday  by  M*  Lock- 
wood,  tho'  I  observe  what  he  says  in  his  favor  of  the  9*  p?  post, 
heartily  join  him  in  sentiment,  &  my  best  wishes,  that  the  Devil  may 
take  the  man  that  prevents  an  honorable  peace.  Tell  him  we  begin 
to  do  as  he  wishes  with  respect  to  prisoners,  as  we  are  absolutely  de- 
termined no  one  shall  go  at  large  in  this  Town.  I  am  sorry  I  can't 
give  you  better  accounts  from  Penobscot,  f  We  haven't  yet  heard 
of  its  surrender,  tho'  I  have  firm  hopes  still  that  will  be  the  event,  & 
if  I  don't  wish  it,  I  wish  my  right  hand  may  forget  its  cunning.  *  *  * 

The  Prizes  sent  in  by  the  Gates  &  Beaver  are  very  clever — 70  odd 
hhds  high  proof  Jamaica  is  better  than  40  kicks  in  the  Britch,  nay  I 

*  "  I  was  one  night  at  our  friend,  Doct'r  Johnson's,  on  my  return.  Found  the 
family  as  usual.  Much  inquiry  about  you.  Sally  says  she  intends  paying  you  a 
visit  some  time  in  the  Fall.  They  have  been  very  unhappy  with  the  insults  of  the 
common  people,  but  the  Doct'r  has  at  last  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 
United  States,  and  people  of  all  ranks  seem  pleased  with  it.  I  presume  if  he  acts 
with  decision  he  will  soon  be  in  great  favor,  and  indeed  is  a  most  amiable  mem- 
ber of  society."     Colonel  Webb  to  Mrs.  Simpson,  9  August,  1778. 

t  This  expedition  was  one  of  the  disastrous  failures  that,  by  diverting  reinforce- 
ments from  the  main  army,  jeopardized  the  general  cause.  "The  Bostonians 
have  made  an  unfortunate  expedition  to  a  place  called  Penobscot,  where  a  body 
of  about  800  men  from  Halifax,  under  the  command  of  Brig*  Gen\  McLean,  had 
made  a  lodgment,  as  is  supposed,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  masts  and  spars  for 
their  shipping.  This  armament  from  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  (consist'g  altogether 
of  militia,)  went  there  to  dispossess  them,  but  were  so  dilatory  in  their  operations, 
that  Sir  George  Collier,  with  a  superior  naval  force  to  theirs,  appearing,  occa- 
sioned the  destruction  (by  themselves)  of  all  their  shipping,  and  the  troops  to  get 
off  as  well  as  they  could  by  land."     Washington  to  Lafayette,  12  September,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  195 

prefer  it  to  50.  I  think  you  had  best  sing  small  on  this  Acc't  untill 
your  exchange  is  compleet,  w*1  I  hope  will  be  very  soon.  By  several 
Gent?  from  France,  that  have  been  in  London,  there  is  but  little 
prospect  of  those  proud  fools  giving  up  their  Idea  of  their  In- 
dependance;  If  it  will  please  the  Asses,  let  'em  stile  themselves 
Kings  of  America,  as  they  do  of  France,  and  I  am  content  they 
should  hold  as  much  power  in  the  one  Country  as  in  the  other,  for  I 
trust  one  day  to  find  their  haughty  spirits  sufficiently  humbled,  and 
when  that  is  the  Case  I  shall  be  willing  to  employ  their  Mechanicks, 
for  the  dogs  are  good  workmen.  But  after  their  wanton  brutality 
in  America,  with  all  their  arrogance,  I'm  sure  they'l  never  pretend 
to  anything  on  the  score  of  Humanity,  but  what  a  Savage  will  be 
ashamed  of.     *     *     * 

Jo  Barrell 


TO    MAJOR-GENERAL    GATES. 

Wethersfield  in  Connecticut 
13*  Aug1.  1779. 
Dear  Sir: 

When  I  was  last  with  you  I  promised  to  have  sent 
you  a  piece  in  Manuscript  wrote  with  freedom  respect- 
ing Congress,  and  another  a  representation  to  Con- 
gress about  Mr.  Lee  signed  by  W.  H.  Drayton  and 
Wm.  Paca — the  first  of  these  since  I  saw  you  has  been 
published  in  the  News  papers — the  other  I  now  enclose, 
it  should  have  been  done  long  before  this,  but  that  I 
have  been  on  a  Journey  to  the  Westward  from  which 
I  have  just  returned.  I  hope  it  will  sufficiently  alarm 
the  freemen  of  our  Country,  and  be  a  means  of  their 
chooseing  in  future  Men  of  more  virtue  and  integrity 
than  some  of  the  present  members,  'tis  time  they  should 
be  sifted.  I  am  pleased  with  a  prospect  of  haveing  my 
freedom  anounced  me  in  a  few  days  and  hope  I  may  not 
be  again  disappointed,  when  I  shall  have  the  pleasure 


196        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

of  seeing  you.  Our  news  from  the  West-Indies  is 
pleaseing.  I  have  seen  the  Capitulation  of  Sl.  Vin- 
cents, and  the  Philadelphia  paper  gives  an  ace1,  of  the 
Grenades  being  taken  by  Count  De  Estaing — that  Ad- 
miral Byron  came  up  to  rescue  it  from  him,  Gen1.  Grant 
landed  with  2500  Men  and  made  three  unsuccessful 
attacks  on  the  French  Troops — Count  De  Estaing  sent 
five  Frigates  to  block  up  the  English  Transports — then 
went  out  with  his  fleet  and  met  Byron,  a  long  &  Bloody 
engagement  ensued,  the  English  fleet  at  the  close  of 
the  day  ran  five  Mile  to  Leeward — and  'twas  reported 
had  lost  five  capital  ships. — This  intelligence  comes  by 
a  Capt.  Robinson  in  18  days  from  Martinico  and  is 
credited, — the  prevailing  opinion  is  De  Estaing  rides 
triumphant  in  the  West  Indias.  I  confess  I  am  led  to 
believe  it,  if  so,  the  English  must  loose  all  their  valuable 
possessions  in  those  Seas.  Another  account  from 
Philadelphia  says  the  King  of  Prussia  has  sent  his 
Ambassador  to  the  Court  of  Great  Britain  to  act  as 
Mediator  between  that  court,  France  &  America,  the 
truth  of  these  matters  you  must  soon  be  possessed  of 
— if  true  I  think  we  may  soon  set  ourselves  down  in 
peace — which  must  be  the  wish  of  every  good  Man — 
with  Compliments  to  the  fair  you  honor  with  your 
Company — &  Gentlemen  of  your  family,  I  am,  Sir, 
your  most  obed*.  &  very  Hum1.  Serv*  * 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

*  From  the  Cabinet  of  the  New  York  Historical  Society. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  197 

FROM    ROBERT   HANSON   HARRISON. 

Aug.  25,      1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  have  received  your  two  favours  and  also  have  seen  your  letter  to 
Gen1.  Greene — and  am  exceedingly  sorry  such  difficulties  have  oc- 
curred to  prevent  your  exchange.  You  will  have  heard  from  Mr. 
Beatty  the  Commissary — and  I  am  persuaded  there  was  Nothing 
Settled  between  him  and  Mr.  Loring  with  respect  to  the  British  Offi- 
cers, released  at  Corunna.  Besides  what  he  has  told  me,  I  have  seen 
Mr.  Loring's  list  of  the  officers  who  appear  to  have  been  the  subjects 
of  their  Conference — and  none  of  these  Gentlemen  are  mentioned  in 
it  that  I  recollect.  Mr.  Loring  Must  have  been  Mistaken  in  his  rep- 
resentation. I  have  mentioned  the  affair  to  His  Excellency  and  the 
Substance  of  your  letters.  The  result  is — that  it  is  impossible  for 
him  in  general  cases  to  take  up  any  business  respecting  prisoners, 
but  upon  a  general  scale  &  system  ;  However,  as  the  prisoners  taken 
by  Capt?  Newman  were  not  originally  subject  to  the  direction  of  the 
Continent,  as  he  was  not  in  their  employ — and  their  owners  have 
consented  that  you  &  Col?  Coates  might  be  exchanged  for  them — 
the  General  does  not  think  that  our  officers  can  object  to  the  Meas- 
ure and  will  second  your  views ;  but  as  the  owners  themselves  have 
not  particularly  designated  any  other  persons  and  seem  to  have  left 
it  to  him  from  the  letters  you  delivered  to  make  exchanges  for  the 
residue — If  he  interferes  at  all  in  the  business — the  residue  must  be 
applied  to  release  our  Officers  according  to  their  ranks  &  the  prior- 
ity of  their  captivity.  And  let  me  add,  My  friend,  that  this  ought  to 
be  the  case.  It  is  not  a  liberal  or  a  just  policy  that  Makes  any  dis- 
tinction about  prisoners  of  War  engaged  in  the  same  contest — there 
should  be  no  distinction  of  this  or  that  state ;  but  every  man  taken 
from  the  Enemy — no  matter  by  whom — ought  to  be  applied  to  the 
release  of  the  first  officer  of  his  rank — prisoner  with  them.  My  ad- 
vice to  you  is  to  come  to  this  place  and  without  delay.  It  is  very 
probable  there  may  be  a  meeting  between  the  two  commissioners, 
when  your  exchange  by  your  personal  attendance  may  be  more 
easily  effected. 

P.  S — Bring  with  you  all  the  original  papers  from  the  British  Con- 
sul at  Corunna. 

I  am  Dr.  Webb  Y™  in  haste  aff 

Rob.  H.  Harrison. 


198         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   JEREMIAH   WADS  WORTH, 

Murderer's  Creek,  near  New  Windsor, 
24  August,  1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  rec<?  your  favour  of  the  15  th  instant  yesterday,  since  which  have 
been  out  in  the  Country — returned  last  night  designing  to  go  this 
morning  to  West  Point  to  General  Greene,  but  my  boat  being  stolen 
prevents.  Tomorrow  I  shall  be  with  him.  Beatty  is  gone  out  of 
Camp,  be  assured  nothing  in  my  Power  shall  be  wanting  to  effect 
your  release  from  the  Rascals  !  before  this  reaches  you,  the  news  of 
Lee's  surprising  the  Garrison  at  Paules  Hook  will  be  told  you.  I 
have  not  the  Particulars,  but  we  have  150  prisoners  with  little  loss  on 
our  side.*  I  wrote  Jo  Webb  some  time  since  respecting  a  Chest 
from  New  York  for  Doctf  Skinner  (now  with  the  light  infantry)  re- 
questing it  might  be  sent  on  here  for  the  Doctf  — he  often  asks  me 
about  it.  I  will  thank  you  to  inquire  into  the  matter  and  write  me 
an  answer.  Tell  Col.  Chester  I  will  attack  old  father  Harrison  to- 
morrow.    *     *     *  J.  Wadsworth. 


GENERAL   WASHINGTON  TO   THE    STATES. 

Head-Quarters,  26  August,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  your  Excellency  a  list  of  sundry 
officers  belonging  to  your  State,  who  have  been  in  captivity  and  are 
reported  by  the  commissary  of  prisoners  as  violators  of  parole.  A 
conduct  of  this  kind,  so  ignominious  to  the  individuals  themselves, 
so  dishonorable  to  their  country  and  to  the  service  in  which  they 
have  been  engaged,  and  so  injurious  to  those  gentlemen  who  were 
associated  with  them  in  misfortune,  but  preserved  their  honor, 
demands  that  every  measure  should  be  taken  to  deprive  them  of  the 
benefit  of  their  delinquency,  and  to  compel  their  return.  We  have 
pledged  ourselves  to  the  enemy  to  do  every  thing  in  our  power  for 
this  purpose ;  and  in  consequence  I  directed  Mr.  Beatty,  the  com- 
missary of  prisoners,  to  issue  the  summons,  which  you  will  probably 
have  seen  in  the  public  papers.  But  as  it  is  likely  to  have  a  very 
partial  operation,  I  find  it  necessary,  in  aid  of  it,  to  request  the  in- 

*  Writings  of  Washington,  viii,  27. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  199 

terposition  of  the  different  States  to  enforce  a  compliance.  The 
most  of  these  persons  never  having  been,  and  none  of  them  now  be- 
ing, in  the  Continental  service,  military  authority  will  hardly  be  suffi- 
cient to  oblige  them  to  leave  their  places  of  residence,  and  return  to 
captivity  against  their  inclination;  neither  will  it  be  difficult  for 
them  to  elude  a  military  search,  and  keep  themselves  in  concealment. 
I  must  therefore  entreat,  that  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  take 
such  measures,  as  shall  appear  to  you  proper  and  effectual,  to  pro- 
duce their  immediate  return.  This  will  be  rendering  an  essential 
service  to  our  officers  in  general  in  captivity,  and  will  tend  much  to 
remove  the  difficulties,  which  now  lie  in  the  way  of  exchanges,  and 
to  discourage  the  practice  of  violating  paroles  in  future.     I  am,  &c. 

G?  Washington. 


JOSEPH   WEBB   TO   JEREMIAH   WADSWORTH. 

Wethersfield,  Sept.  1,  1779. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

The  trunk  you  Wrote  to  me  about  was  immediately  on  the  Rec* 
of  your  Letter  forwarded  to  our  Friend  Hubbard  (the  charges  at- 
tending said  Trunk  is  charged  to  DocT  Skinner) — I  have  been  for 
these  15  or  16  Days  at  Canaan  Salisbury,  the  Mannor  of  Livingstone 
and  Round  amongst  our  Cursed  old  affairs  such  as  Morgages,  Secur- 
ities, Iron  Works  &c — I  blush  and  am  truly  asshamed  when  I  reflect 
that  I  have  not  Wrote  you  since  you  left  us. 

I  should  be  more  unhappy  still  if  you  thought  it  out  of  disregard 
Neglect  to  a  Gentleman  I  look  upon  as  one  of  my  first  true  &  Valu- 
able Friends,  (but  after  our  mutual  acquaintance  I  know  you  can't 
have  the  most  distant  Idea  of  the  kind) — I  can  truly  say  I  have  hardly 
been  at  home  since  your  leaving  Hartford — I  am  to  day  at  New 
London  to-morrow  at  Salisbury,  then  Boston  &  am  building  a  farm 
House  at  Colechester  which  has  likewise  taken  up  much  of  my  Time, 
I  need  not  add  that  I  have  plenty  of  Business  almost  everywhere  else 
that  takes  up  too  much  of  my  Time  from  my  friends,  but  to  you  who 
knows  me  so  well  I  think  too  many  apologies  Unnecessary — There- 
fore can  only  say  that  I  am  still  the  J.  W.  the  same  Friend  &  am 
happy  of  a  line  from  you  when  you  have  leisure  &  see  fit  to  trust  me 
with  Intelligence,  or  in  short  even  only  Chit  Chatt  Letter, — one  thing 


2oo         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  must  allow  appearance  of  Neglect  of  answer?  Your  Letters  when 
on  Business  is  at  this  time  against. me.  you  Wrote  for  Courtney's 
Sublime  &  beautiful,  it  was  from  home  Ever  since  I  have  Endeav- 
or'd  to  find  it  but  without  success.  I  am  now  told  its  at  Hosmer's, 
so  soon  as  I  get  it  home  it  shall  be  sent  you — I  now  send  you  the 
Pupil  at  pleasure  by  the  same  author  which  will  please  you — this 
brings  me  to  the  wish  that  our  Friend  Watson's  Types  may  come 
safe,  His  prospect  is  good  at  present.     He  of  late  tho*  they  were  lost 

in *  but  since  find  Dr.  Franklin  Ship1?  them  in  the  Alliance  & 

hourly  Expects  them — when  we  shall  be  happy  to  show  our  Friend- 
ship to  Watson  more  than  by  outward  appearances. 

I  wou'd  have  the  above  Two  Books  republished,  I  wish  you  to 
take  Care  that  Mr?  Lawrence  has  the  Reading  of  the  Pupil  &  may  I 
ask  your  particular  attention  to  Return  me  the  Book's  for  the  above 
purpose  when  you  return  which  I  am  told  by  your  good  Lady  is  soon 
expected. 

M*  Fingall  I  can  not  meet  with ;  t  it  worthy  of  being  Republished 
— indeed  I  have  some  others  that  wou'd  be  of  much  benefit  both  to 
the  publisher  &  the  public  at  large — how  sincerely  I  wish  to  see  a 
good  printer  Established  at  Hartford  such  as  a  one  as  we  have  often 
Chatted  of — Even  such  a  one  as  We  think  Watson — but  this  Dam'd 
Junto  with  their  dam'd  puritanical  Jes[uitical]  faces  ruin  everything 
— all  seams  dormant,  but  Curse  the  Rascals,  they  are  not  past  find- 
ing out  yet  too  Wicked  to  be  come  at.  P.  S — y.  is  in  the  party,  & 
I  believe  many  others  that  one  would  blush  to  think  wou'd  be  Con- 
cerned— This  will  be  handed  you  by  Col?  Chester  &  Webb  to  whom 
I  refere  you  for  all  the  new's  of  the  Day  in  this  Quarter — Please  to 
Remember  to  our  Friends  Genl  Green  &  Colonel  Biddle  whose  po- 
liteness &  attention  to  me  when  I  was  at  the  Army  I  remember  with 
most  grateful  Heart — Their  Hospitality  shall  not  be  forgot. 
I  am  their  &  your 

Most  aff.  Friend  J.  W. 

We  are  Just  told  that  Arburthnot  is  arrived  at  York — &  what  is  bet- 
ter that  Mumford  has  another  prize  of  Turtle  &  fruit  arrived — you'll 
please  to  come  in  season  to  take  some  of  the  dirty  green  peices. } 

*  A  word  that  cannot  be  deciphered. 

f  Some  words  omitted  in  the  MS. 

X  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  201 

FROM  BARON  STEUBEN'S  REPORT. 
Remarks  of  the  Inspector  General  on  Col.  Webb's  regiment : 
This  Regiment  is  in  seven  companies  and  is  too  weak  to  form  a 
batalion,  the  only  fault  I  can  find  with  it — being  in  the  best  order  of 
any  I  have  yet  seen  at  the  first  review.  The  arms  are  really  a 
model  for  the  army.  The  Regiment  marches  perfectly  and  has  a 
military  air. 

Colonel  Webb  deserves  particular  credit  for  the  superior  order  in 
which  he  has  kept  this  regiment. 

Extract  from  the  Report 

Alex  Hamilton 
Aid  De  Camp. 
H<?  Q1?  Sept.  22  1779. 


GENERAL  WASHINGTON  TO   COLONEL  BEATTY. 

Head  Quarters,  West  Point, 
23  September,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your  report  dated  the  2  2d  of  your  transactions 
with  Mr.  Loring,  on  the  subject  of  exchanges.  Mr.  Loring's  answer 
to  your  first  proposition  revives  the  old  question  of  a  composition  of 
privates  for  officers,  which  has  been  so  repeatedly  and  so  fruitlessly 
agitated,  and  which  can  now  only  tend  to  embarrass  the  relief  of 
prisoners  on  both  sides.  It  seems,  that  the  more  we  do  to  remove 
the  obstacles  in  the  way  of  exchanges,  the  more  solicitous  the  enemy 
are  to  contrive  new  ones,  and  revive  the  old ;  as  if  they  expected  at 
length  to  fatigue  us  into  compliance  with  their  unreasonable 
demands.  I  know  not  with  what  face  of  justice  or  decency  they  can 
depart,  whenever  it  suits  a  particular  interest,  from  all  those  prin- 
ciples, which  have  been  agreed  upon  between  us,  and  have  uniformly 
governed  our  exchanges.  The  only  established  rule  of  exchange 
hitherto  has  been  "officer  for  officer  of  equal  rank,  and  soldier  for 
soldier."  The  settled  disinclination  of  the  enemy  to  fixing  general 
and  permanent  rules,  adequate  to  all  the  cases  of  captivity,  have 
obliged  us  to  content  ourselves  with  partial  and  particular  ex- 
changes ;  and  from  everything  that  has  happened,  their  ideas  are  so 
remote  from  ours,  that  there  is  little  reason  to  expect  any  future 


202        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

negotiation  would  be  attended  with  more  success  than  the  past,  or 
that  we  should  even  be  able  to  unite  in  a  Tariff,  which  would  have 
no  other  object  than  the  relief  of  prisoners  on  terms  of  equal  advant- 
age. While  this  continues  a  secondary  motive  with  the  enemy,  and 
the  augmentation  of  their  force  by  a  large  accession  of  privates  the 
ruling  one,  nothing  of  that  kind  can  be  expected.  If  we,  therefore, 
renounce  particular  exchanges  on  the  former  plan,  the  prisoners  will 
have  no  other  prospect  before  them,  than  that  of  hopeless  captivity. 

I  would  wish  you  in  your  answer  to  Mr.  Loring,  to  represent  these 
things  to  him  in  a  decent  but  pointed  manner,  to  make  him  sensible 
of  the  inconsistency  of  his  conduct,  and  the  ill-consequences  it  must 
produce  ;  informing  him  at  the  same  time,  that  we  will  not  hereafter 
make  any  exchanges  whatsoever,  unless  they  extend  to  officers  and 
indiscriminately,  on  the  footing  which  has  heretofore  obtained.  The 
instructions  I  have  already  given  you,  on  the  subject  of  composition, 
are  not  to  be  exceeded ;  and  I  would  wish  the  question  of  privates 
for  officers  to  be  avoided,  as  I  am  certain  from  the  unreasonableness 
of  the  enemy  on  this  head,  that  it  can  answer  no  other  purpose,  than 
to  perplex  and  impede  the  business.  If  in  treating  of  a  Tariff,  Mr. 
Loring  persists  in  pressing  Conway's  cartel  as  a  model,  he  can  be 
very  justly  told,  that  the  circumstances  of  the  parties  in  the  present 
war  differ  much  from  those  of  France  and  England,  at  the  time  of 
treaty,  and  that  these  are  the  only  proper  standard  by  which  to  regu- 
late our  argument. 

You  will  insist  on  your  second  proposition,  informing  the  enemy, 
that  this  mode  is  not  without  reference  to  their  wishes,  but  to  dis- 
courage the  practice  of  breaking  paroles,  and  establish  a  distinction 
between  the  violators  and  the  scrupulous  observers :  that  their  in- 
terest can  in  no  way  be  affected  by  it,  and  consequently  they  can 
have  no  reasonable  objection.  As  to  the  third  answer,  you  will  ex- 
plicitly inform  them,  that  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  those  persons, 
not  military  prisoners,  who  have  broken  their  paroles,  either  to  ex- 
change or  return  them ;  that  I  do  not  consider  them  as  proper  sub- 
jects of  military  capture,  in  the  first  instance,  nor  hold  myself  bound 
to  restore  them  to  a  state  of  captivity,  in  which  they  were  first  placed, 
contrary  to  the  usages  of  nations. 

Col.  Webb's  exchange  by  composition  we  cannot  claim  as  a  matter 
of  right,  but  I  wish  every  method  in  our  power  to  be  taken  to  induce 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  203 

the  enemy  to  consent  to  it.  The  pretext  of  not  being  willing  to  con- 
tinue partial  exchanges  is  forced  and  ridiculous ;  the  more,  as  there 
are  such  recent  instances  in  the  cases  of  Edmundstone  and  Feather- 
stone.  You  must  plead  the  constant  practice  heretofore  ;  the  gen- 
erous treatment  shown  to  the  prisoners  taken  in  the  Eagle ;  the 
obligation  in  point  of  honor  and  justice,  upon  the  enemy  to  return 
an  equivalent ;  and  the  proposals,  they  have  made  at  different  times 
for  particular  exchanges  by  composition.  You  will  observe  to  them, 
that  the  gentlemen  taken  in  the  Eagle  are  not  under  a  parole,  but 
absolutely  released  and  at  liberty  to  act ;  that  by  an  authentic  act 
of  their  consul  at  Corunna  they  have  incurred  a  debt,  which  they 
cannot  without  a  flagrant  breach  of  faith  refuse  to  pay ;  that  the  ex- 
change, so  far  as  it  depends  on  us,  is  already  made,  and  that  they 
have  no  choice  but  to  make  a  return.  You  will  demand  an  explana- 
tion of  what  they  mean  by  "the  former  principles;"  whether  it  is, 
that  they  are  ready  to  return  an  equal  number,  of  equal  ranks,  on 
the  former  principle  of  equality  of  rank,  or  whether  they  refuse  to 
make  a  return  for  these,  unless  the  terms  of  their  first  proposition 
are  complied  with.  After  you  have  prepared  your  answer  in  the 
spirit  of  these  instructions,  you  will  let  me  have  a  view  of  it. 

I  am  &c 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HARRISON. 

West  Point,  25th  September,  1779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  inclose  you  a  commission  for  L*  Col?  Huntington  and  the  rest 
of  your  officers.  They  are  the  only  sort  circumstances  will  admit  of 
being  sent  at  this  time.  You  know  the  reasons — and  they  will 
answer  all  the  purposes  of  any  other  kind.  The  case  of  your  officers 
is  far  from  being  peculiar — there  are  many  others  without  commis- 
sions. For  a  particular  cause  no  commission  is  made  out  for  your 
self — it  will  not  operate  any  injury  to  you. 

Mr.  Beatty  has  received  the  General's  instructions  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  Mr.  Loring's  answer,  in  which  your  release  is  attended  to  & 
urged.  I  sincerely  wish  it  may  be  effected ;  but  from  the  mulish 
obstinacy  of  the  Enemy  and  the  idea  they  have,  or  affect  to  hold, 


2o4        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

that  we  shall  receive  far  more  benefits  from  your  exchange  than  from 
that  of  any  other  officer — and  that  we  don't  mean  to  prosecute  the 
business  of  exchanges  farther — I  cannot  say  the  prospect"  is  so 
flattering  as  to  promise  a  certainty  of  success.  They  will  be  com- 
pelled however  at  any  rate  to  explain  the  meaning  of  their  answer 
on  the  subject  of  the  prisoners  taken  in  the  Eagle  packet — and  to 
say  explicitly  whether  their  accounting  for  them  is  to  be  connected 
and  involved  with  other  exchanges  or  any  conditions.  Nothing  can 
be  equal  to  their  prevarication  &  disingenuity. 

I  am  D'  Sir  AfTc^y 
Rob.  H.  Harrison. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   GREENE. 

West  Point,  Sept.  27th,  1779. 
Dear  Col  : 

I  received  your  favor  of  the  23d  the  same  day  you  wrote  it.  I 
hope  you  are  fully  convinced  of  the  temper  and  disposition  of  the 
two  Gentlemen  at  Head  Quarters.  Did  I  not  tell  you  which  of  the 
two  was  the  more  candid  and  sincere  ?  Depend  upon  it,  you  will 
ever  find  him  so.  Since  you  was  here,  I  have  said  nothing  upon  the 
subject,  but  you  may  rest  assured,  I  shall  do  you  all  the  service  in 
my  power.  However,  I  told  you  before,  and  repeat  it  again,  it  is 
difficult  to  carry  a  point  with  a  man  when  it  is  against  his  popular 
interest ;  but  the  General  is  a  man  of  a  million,  and  I  doubt  not,  will, 
do  you  justice,  in  due  season. 

I  believe  the  general  Officers  intend  to  send  in  a  Memorial  to 
Congress,  upon  the  Grievances  of  the  officers  of  the  Army.  What 
it  will  produce  I  cannot  say.     Perhaps  a  disagreeable  quarrel. 

I  have  not  time  to  add,  only  that  I  am  with  great  regard,  your 
most  obedient  humble  ser*  Nath  :  Greene. 


SILAS   DEANE  TO   SIMEON   DEANE. 

Philadelphia,  Septr  28th,  1779. 
My  Dear  Brother  : 

I  have  not  received  any  Letter  from  you,  for  several  Weeks,  and 

had  it  not  been  for  the  setting  out  of  Mr  Gerard,  and  other  Events, 

I  should  at  this  time  have  been  to  meet  Our  Brother  at  the  East- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  205 

ward.  I  set  off  positively  Tomorrow,  shall  return,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, and  then  set  out  To  see  you,  in  Virginia,  whence  I  propose 
embarking  for  France.  A  Lee's  Commission  is  superceded,  and 
M*  Jay  appointed  Plenipotentiary  to  Spain,  by  which  the  whole  of 
the  Family,  are  disposed  of,  though  The  Mischief,  they  have  done, 
is  in  some  instances  irreparable  yet  their  Dismission  is  a  favorable 
Event,  and  gives  almost  universal  Joy.  I  say  almost,  for  the  Junto 
tho  broken  are  not  destroyed.  The  removal  of  these  men  is  some 
satisfaction  to  me,  &  in  part  repays  me  for  what  I  have  suffered,  & 
the  Indignities  thrown  upon  me  whilst  persuing  my  Opposition 
against  them ;  I  pray  to  have  the  earliest  Information,  of  the  Arrival 
of  the  Fier  Roderigue,  in  which  Ship  I  hope  to  be  able  to  embark 
for  France,  and  have  written  to  Mr  De  Francie  on  The  Subject  pray 
put  him  in  mind  of  it  if  you  see  him  I  have  nothing  particular  to  add 
but  am  as  [  My  Dear  Brother  Yours 

S  De[ane].* 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Octo  4*h  1779. 
Dr.  Br.  : 

Wright  and  Riley  are  not  yet  ready  for  a  settlement, 
but  will  they  say  soon,  the  moment  I  can  have  the 
Accts.  duplicates  shall  be  forwarded  to  you.  The 
Washington  has  sent  in  two  Oystermen,  palitable  if  not 
profitable,  was   left  in   chase  of  a  Schooner   lumber 

*  From  the  Cabinet  of  the  Connecticut  Historical  Society. 

Of  the  unfortunate  differences  among  the  American  commissioners  in  Europe,  a 
very  interesting  chapter  could  be  written.  The  fault  was  almost  entirely  with 
Arthur  Lee,  whose  jealousy  and  suspicion  were  directed  against  any  one  who 
seemed  to  stand  in  his  light.  He  was  the  instrument  of  Deane's  downfall ;  and 
while  he  ruined  his  own  usefulness,  he  succeeded  in  largely  neutralizing  the  efforts 
of  the  commissioners  in  France,  and  in  embroiling  Congress  in  a  quarrel  that 
brought  no  little  discredit  upon  that  body.  Deane  had  been  before  Congress,  and 
made  a  partial  statement :  but  was  ordered  to  return  to  France  under  a  promise 
of  having  his  accounts  passed  upon  there. 

Deane  returned  to  Philadelphia  on  the  16th  of  October,  and  after  a  short  stay 
went  to  Virginia  to  embark. 


206        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

loaded,  remember  your  Hum1?  Serv.  is  yet  a  poor 
prisoner  I  hope  the  Scoundrels  will  soon  pay  for  their 
ungenerous  conduct  to  others  as  well  as  to  me.* — The 
arrival  of  Count  De  Estaing  on  the  Georgia  Coast  is 
certain,  Congress  received  letters  from  him  dated  6t.h 
Septr.  — We  expect  to  hear  of  him  this  way  ere  long. 
I  shall  have  an  opportunity  of  writeing  you  more  fully 
in  a  few  days — my  Love  to  the  Circle  and  assure  your- 
self of  the  Affect5,  of  Yr.  Br. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  Wednesday,  OctoT  6*,  1779. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

The  Bearer  Colonel  John  Beatty  sets  of  this  morn- 
ing for  Rutland  and  Boston,  he  is  my  friend,  and  a 
cleaver  fellow,  your  notice  of  him  will  oblige  me,  he 
stays  only  two  days  in  Town — if  you  have  leisure  chat 
with  him  about  my  Exchange,  he  is  Commissary  Gen- 
eral of  Prisoners  and  has  the  management  of  the 
Corunna  certificate  for  me,  he  can  inform  you  how  the 
matter  stands — be  kind  enough  to  press  this  Idea, — 
that  the  Owners  of  the  Privateer  insist  on  my  Exchange 
at  all  events, — I  am  sorry  the  name  of  Coates  has  ever 
been  mentioned,  as  he  has  no  Military  Rank, — Report 
says  the  French  fleet  are  off  the  Hook,  that  they  are 

*  "  Your  letter  pr  this  post  informs  me  you  are  once  more  return'd  to  Bro.  Jos., 
&  I'm  sorry  still  a  poor  prisoner.  I  wish  ardently  those  dogs  may  pay  for  their 
cruelty  to  you,  and  think  if  you  are  the  man  I  take  you  to  be,  you  will  positively 
effect  your  exchange  from  the  Certificates  I  gave  you,  &  that  I  shall  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you  still  before  Winter.  I  wish  you  would  hurry  Ryley  & 
Wright  for  the  settlement  of  the  Washington  &  Gates  prizes."  Joseph  Barrell  to 
Colonel  Webby  7  October,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  207 

expected  is  certain,  Gen1.  Washington  has  ordered  all 
the  Boats  on  this  river  to  be  collected,  and  some  new- 
ones  Built,  for  further  particulars  I  refer  you  to  Col1. 
Beatty  haveing  only  time  to  beg  my  Love  to  Sally 
Abby,  your  little  family  &  friends, 

Yours 

Affectionately 
Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


JOSHUA   LORING  TO   COLONEL  BEATTY. 

New  York,  Octo.  12,  1778. 
Sir: 

I  was  deceived  into  a  Belief  that  some  Agreement  was  at  hand 
and  that  difficulties  were  surmounted,  I  am  sorry  to  observe  with 
yourself  that  you  have  only  overcome  every  Aversion  to  Altercation 
&  Asperity. 

I  demand  the  immediate  return  to  Captivity  of  all  Officers  or  Per- 
sons admitted  by  us  to  Parole. 

Presuming  yourselves  may  think  it  too  flagrant  a  Violation  of 
Right  to  withhold  &  protect  those  men  who  have  broken  their  word 
of  Honor  I  expect  they  be  restored  without  any  further  delay.  Up- 
wards of  Seventy  remain  unaccounted  for  by  our  Estimate  and  up- 
wards of  fifty  even  by  your  own. 

The  Officers  taken  in  the  Eagle  packet  we  consent  to  exchange 
immediately  Rank  for  Rank,  as  also  those  officers  of  the  Convention 
mentioned  in  the  enclosed  list.  You  must  take  Credit  for  them  out 
of  the  Violators  of  their  parole. 

We  have  to  demand  that  a  Person  may  reside  at  Philadelphia 
upon  the  footing  on  which  M*  Pintard  resides  here,  and  to  ask  that 
under  such  Restrictions  as  you  may  judge  necessary,  he  may  be  per- 
mitted to  visit  the  Prisoners  in  other  parts  of  the  Country. 

Further  proposals  of  Exchanges  on  your  part  as  well  as  ours  must 
be  put  off  until  such  Gentlemen  as  are  on  parole  return  and  those 
who  are  with  you  contrary  to  parole  are  restored  or  accounted  for. 
I  am  with  due  respect  &c. 

Jos :  Loring 
Com.  Genl  PrisT 


208        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM  JEREMIAH   WADSWORTH. 

Murderers  Creek,  near  New  Windsor, 
15  October,  1779. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

I  rec4  your  favour  of  the  7*  instant.     We *     D'Estaing,  yet 

we  are  very  impatient  to  hear  of  his  success  at  Georgia.  If  he  comes 
we  must  have  some  hard  knocks,  and  your  lads  that  burn  for  Laurels 
may  have  a  chance  to  reap  them.  I  am  sorry  you  are  not  in  a  situ- 
ation to  be  active.  Your  affairs  are  never  out  of  my  Mind,  and  I 
loose  no  opportunity  to  hint  your  situation — be  assured  I  am  never 
to  busy  to  the  affairs  of  my  friend  S.  W. — Sebor  is  here,  but  is  to 
return  with  M*  Deane,  &  goes  to  France  so  that  affair  is  over.  I 
have  explicitly  told  Congress  that  I  shall  serve  them  no  longer  than 
the  end  of  this  year.f  What  they  will  say  I  know  not — I  wish  to 
part  friends  but  fear  a  storm,  however  am  prepared  to  meet  it.  I 
have  wrote  Jo!  Webb  an  answer  to  his  Letter  on  the  subject  of  his 
Works,  it  has  been  in  my  Power  to  serve  him  and  I  hope  still  is, 
but  I  cannot  approve  his  letter  to  me  it  ought  to  have  been  clear  & 
Particular  in  his  own  name,  &  his  terms  fixed.  I  have  told  him  so. 
He  may  think  hard  of  it,  but  he  must  remember  what  I  told  him.  I 
cannot  involve  myself,  and  Dance's  past  actions  give  me  no  hopes 
of  his  being  punctual.  If  you  shoud  come  to  Camp  when  D'Estaing 
arrives,  I  shall  see  you  &  will  then  conclude  on  some  Plan  of  em- 
ploying the  stock  Sebor  was  to  have  used.  My  love  to  the  Family, 
&  all  Friends — farewell.  Many  compliments  attend  you  from  the 
Circle  of  friends.  Your  sincere  friend 

J.  Wadsworth. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   GREENE. 

West  Point,  Octo.  19,  1779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Your  brother's  obstinacy  deprives  me  of  an  opportunity  of  writing 
a  full  answer  to  your  letter.  I  have  been  endeavoring  to  prevail  on 
him  to  stay  to  day,  but  cannot.  The  desire  of  being  thought  a  man 
of  great  business,  or  his  passionate  fondness  for  his  wife,  has  over- 

*  Illegible. 

^Writings  of  Washington,  VIII.,  124. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB. 


Uninformed  as  I  am  of  the  variety  of  matter,  conversations,  and 
meetings  which  have  passed  on  the  subject  of  exchanges,  it  would  ill 
become  me  to  attempt  at  positively  judging  what  may  be  Sir  Henry 
Clinton's  real  feelings  on  this  subject ;  but  being  perfectly  well 
acquainted  with  the  uprightness  of  his  way  of  thinking  and  the 
humanity  and  compassionate  turn  of  mind  he  so  fully  possesses,  I 
am  free  to  decide,  as  my  belief,  that  the  relief  of  captivity  has  been 
on  his  part  the  constant  primary  and  prevailing  motive  of  all  his 
transactions  with  your  Excellency  concerning  either  partial  or  gen- 
eral exchanges  of  prisoners  made  between  the  two  armies :  and  as 
far  as  I  am  able  to  give  an  opinion,  by  what  I  have  read  in  Publick 
Prints,  I  must  conceive  Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  wished  only  for  ex- 
changes upon  mutual  advantages  and  upon  terms  of  equality,  equity 
and  honour. 

I  will  be  free  to  own,  Sir,  that  I  have  no  doubt  of  your  Excel- 
lency's generous  and  liberal  sentiments,  and  I  really  imagine  you 
have,  Sir,  equally  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton  a  desire  for  a  general  Ex- 
change of  prisoners  of  war. 

The  reasons  which  have  hitherto  prevented  this  humane  business 
from  being  brought  to  a  fortunate  conclusion  have  been  owing,  as  I 
am  given  to  understand,  to  the  mode  adopted  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
for  an  exchange  of  the  Troops  of  Convention,  and  it  leads  me,  Sir, 
to  give  you  my  opinion  upon  that  particular  subject. 

Whatever  officers  of  either  army  may  have  been  made  prisoners 
of  war,  upon  their  being  exchanged,  join  their  respective  regiments 
and  go  into  immediate  actual  service  both  in  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
army  and  that  commanded  by  your  Excellency,  such  exchanges 
are  certainly  made  upon  terms  of  mutual  advantage,  equity  and  hon- 
our, governed  by  considerations  of  humanity  for  the  suffering  officers 
and  pursued  with  a  view  to  the  good  of  the  service  to  which  such 
officers  belong. 

Now,  I  must  be  allowed,  Sir,  to  give  it  as  my  free  opinion  that  the 
situation  of  the  Troops  of  Convention  differs  in  many  respects  from 
that  of  Prisoners  of  War,  very  materially  so  as  it  relates  to  exchanges 
officer  for  officer  only  without  a  consideration  for  the  soldiers,  inas- 
much as  the  American  officers  so  exchanged  would  immediately  join 
their  several  corps  or  be  otherwise  directly  employed  in  the  Ameri- 
can service  as  your  Excellency  and  the  American  Congress  might 


212         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

think  proper,  whereas  the  officers  of  the  Convention  being  thus  ex- 
changed would  not  become  of  any  use  to  the  King's  service ;  it  would 
indeed  be  an  agreeable  matter  to  them  as  individuals,  as  they  might 
go  to  Europe  and  live  with  their  friends  and  relations,  but  could  not 
by  any  means  be  employed  in  the  King's  service,  as  the  regiments  to 
which  they  are  attached  in  their  several  ranks  would  still  remain  in 
a  state  of  captivity.  Therefore,  Sir,  it  appears  to  me  that  this  mode 
of  exchange  for  the  officers  of  the  Troops  of  Convention  would  prove 
a  most  partial  one  in  which  the  King  would  not  gain  the  service  of 
any  one  officer  and  your  Excellency  and  the  American  Congress 
would  on  the  contrary  receive  your  officers  thus  exchanged  into 
every  positive  act  of  service  which  might  be  required  from  them. 

If  I  am  right  in  this  description  surely,  Sir,  it  will  appear  evident 
to  the  whole  world  that  Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  never  evaded  or 
avoided  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners,  but  has  been  impelled  to 
resist  the  dictates  of  his  humanity  and  to  refuse  agreeing  to  partial 
exchanges  which  must  have  appeared  such  from  your  Commissioners 
having  constantly  insisted  upon  this  mode  of  exchange  for  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Troops  of  Convention. 

Having  written  thus  freely  upon  the  subject,  a  subject  in  which  I 
acknowledge  to  be  very  much  interested,  I  will  go  still  further  and 
suppose  that  the  campaign  being  nearly  ended  the  subject  of  an 
exchange  of  the  Troops  of  Convention  might  again  be  brought  on 
and  pursued,  perhaps,  with  more  success  than  formerly,  under  which 
description  I  will  offer,  as  I  did  the  last  winter  to  your  Excellency  to 
meet  any  gentleman  of  your  family,  and  enter  with  him  upon  a  pri- 
vate conversation  on  this  matter,  which  need  never  become  a  publick 
subject  unless  such  private  discourse  may  fortunately  prove  so 
agreeable  to  both  parties  as  to  make  it  the  basis  of  a  public  discus- 
sion for  a  general  exchange  of  prisoners. 

At  any  rate  I  will  freely  acknowledge  that  I  am  solicitous  for  the 
exchange  of  some  few  officers  whose  remaining  in  their  present  situ- 
ation is  of  the  greatest  detriment  to  their  healths  and  their  fortunes, 
and  I  will  request  to  know  your  Excellency's  sentiments  thereon,  as, 
if  I  have  your  consent,  I  propose  to  solicit  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in  their 
behalf,  and  they  may  be  exchanged  against  any  particular  American 
officers,  prisoners  of  war  that  your  Excellency  may  chuse. 

I  should  not  have  taken  up  so  much  of  your  Excellency's  time 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB.  213 

had  you  not,  Sir,  by  your  letter  and  message  by  Major  Skinner, 
given  me  reason  to  suppose  you  would  excuse  it. 

I  have  the  honor  &c, 

W.  Phillips. 


FROM    COLONEL  BEATTY. 

Head  Quarters,  27  October,  1777. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  had  the  pleasure  of  scrawling  you  a  Line  from  Fish  Kill  Sunday 
Evening  on  my  arrival  there,  but  fear  you  could  not  read  it  as  it  was 
scarce  legible  to  myself.  I  wish  I  could  dispense  with  the  disagree- 
able task  of  writing  this  Letter  or  forbear  affording  you  the  pain  its 
inclosures  must  give  you ;  sensible  however  of  your  Philosophy  and 
of  its  becoming  my  Duty  to  inform  you  sooner  or  later,  I  have 
thought  best  thus  early  to  inclose  you  a  copy  of  Loring's  Answer.  I 
have  this  day  laid  it  before  the  Comm?  in  Chief  and  await  his  further 
Instructions  thereon.  I  am  as  yet  able  to  judge  nothing  of  what  may 
be  done  here  and  am  equally  at  a  loss  to  advise  what  you  are  to  do, 
— perhaps  no  time  is  to  be  lost  and  an  enclaircisement  should  be 
required  of  Congress  for  the  detention  of  Philips  and  Riedesel  with 
their  families. 

This  I  am  confident  has  ruffled  their  tempers  and  is  the  occasion 
of  the  remanding  of  the  American  Prisn.rs  thus  far  it  concerns  you 
and  the  other  Gentleman's  honour  (who  came  out  upon  those 
Terms)  equally  to  investigate  and  report  to  New  York  the  ostensible 
reason  of  this  delay,  for  I  do  assure  you,  the  General  with  ourselves 
are  alike  ignorant  of  it ;  but  I  conceive  you  are  particularly  involved 
in  that  part  of  Loring's  answer,  where  they  offer  an  Exchange  of  the 
Officers  taken  in  the  Eagle  Packet  upon  Terms  highly  injurious  to 
you — Such  as  I  do  not  believe  we  shall  consent  to  and  such  as  I  am 
sure  you  ought  never  to  submit  to  while  possessed  of  the  original 
certificate.  This  Intimation  in  confidence  &  presume  it  will  rest  with 
you. — Pray  let  me  hear  from  you  whatever  may  be  your  determina- 
tions thereon  &  rest  assured  you  always  have  a  Friend  in  D?  Sir,  your 
art*  Hum1.  Serv*  Jn?  Beatty. 


2i4        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL    GREENE. 

West  Point,  October  28th,  1779. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Col.  Beatty  delivered  me  your  letter  last  Evening. 

Should  there  be  any  serions  opposition  to  your  claim  in  point  of 
Rank,  my  little  influence  shall  not  be  wanting  to  set  you  right. 

Great  political  characters  generally  govern  themselves  more  by 
maxims  of  policy  than  by  what  is  called  private  justice ;  and  upon 
this  principle  you  are  to  interpret  their  actions  and  intentions.  The 
rights  and  claims  of  individuals  have  but  a  feeble  voice,  and  are 
faintly  heard  amidst  the  clamour  and  noise  of  contending  parties. 
In  vain  will  you  plead  the  merit  of  past  services,  personal  sufferings, 
or  sacrifices,  when  those  pleas  and  those  claims  are  opposed  by  su- 
perior interest. 

The  doctrine  of  politicks  is  not  unlike  the  laws  of  nature,  where  the- 
weaker  is  ever  obliged  to  give  place  to  the  stronger. 

Happy  he  who  has  a  powerful  interest  to  support  him,  and  trusts 
not  to  private  virtue,  to  contend  with  pairing  interests. 

The  secret  springs  of  human  actions,  are  difficult  to  investigate ; 
and  the  wishes  and  intentions  of  a  thorough  paced  politician  not 
easily  discovered.  But  I  think  we  may  pretty  fairly  conclude  that 
when  we  find  a  delay  in  obtaining  justice,  and  obstacle  upon  obstacle 
hove  in  our  way,  that  there  is  some  interest  opposed  to  our  wishes. 
I  will  not  say  that  this  is  your  situation,  but  leave  you  to  think  and 
judge  for  yourself. 

Col.  Beatty  whose  letter  will  accompany  this,  will  be  a  messenger 
of  ill  news  to  you.  Mr.  Loring  has  made  a  demand  of  all  the  Pris- 
oners on  Parole,  to  return  to  captivity.  This  I  suppose  is  in  conse- 
quence of  General  Phillips  &  Riedesel  being  refused  the  liberty  of 
going  into  New  York.  I  think  it  will  be  your  first  business  to  bring 
this  matter  to  an  explanation,  both  with  the  General  and  the  Con- 
gress. I  would  never  agree  to  Loring's  proposition,  nor  give  up  the 
Parole  of  the  prisoners  belonging  to  the  Eagle  pacquet  upon  that 
footing,  and  I  would  urge  the  General  anew  to  demand  my  exchange 
immediately  if  I  was  in  your  place. 

The  summons  must  be  peculiarly  disagreeable  after  such  bright 
prospects  of  an  exchange  as  you  once  had.  Human  life  is  chequered 
with  evils.     It  often  happens  when  we  are  swimming  on  with  the  tide 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  215 

of  good  fortune,  we  are  shipwrecked  in  full  view  of  the  haven  of  our 
happiness ;  and  again  when  we  are  ready  to  sink  into  ruin,  we  are 
delivered  when  we  least  expected  it ;  and  sometimes  from  a  quarter 
whence  we  could  have  had  no  hopes.  It  is  the  business  of  a  soldier 
and  a  philosopher  to  be  prepared  for  whatever  may  happen. 

Whatever  services  I  can  render  you,  shall  not  be  wanting  to  ac- 
complish your  wishes. 

The  Enemy  is  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  They  landed  at  Am- 
boy  and  have  been  at  Brunswick  and  Middle  Brook.  We  have  no 
particulars  of  their  depredations.  They  are  said  to  be  about  5,000 
strong. 

General  Sullivan,  Lord  Sterling  and  General  Wayne  are  said  to  be 
on  their  march  to  check  their  ravages. 

We  have  no  news  from  the  southward  and  are  almost  ready  to 
despair  of  the  Count's  coming ;  indeed  we  are  apprehensive  he  has 
met  with  some  misfortune.  We  are  all  impatience  to  hear  from  the 
State  of  Rhode  Island,  as  we  have  great  reason  to  think  that  place  is 
evacuated. 

Make  my  compliments  agreeable  to  MT.  Webb  and  his  Lady,  and 
Col.  Chester  and  his  Lady. 


Trust  but  few 


Many  are  good  companions  who  are  very  unfit 


to  be  trusted  with  the  secrets  of  friendship. 

Yours  sincerely 

N.  Greene. 


BARON   RIEDESEL  TO   WILLIAM   FITZHUGH. 

Bethlehem,  i  Novr.,  1779. 
Sir: 

When  I  had  the  Pleasure  of  becoming  acquainted  with  you  and 
your  Lady  at  Bath,  to  whom  I,  and  Madame  de  Riedesel  present  our 
kindest  Compliments,  I  had  not  the  smallest  Idea  of  entering  into  a 
Correspondence  with  you  from  this  Place.  But  a  few  Days  after 
your  departure  from  the  Springs,  Colonel  [Theodorick]  Bland  com- 
municated to  me  a  Letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,, 
signifying  that  Maj*  General  Phillips  and  myself,  with  our  respective 
Familys,  had  permission  to  go  to  New  York,  in  which  Letter,  He 
also  prescribed  our  Route. 


2 1 6         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JO  URNALS  OF 

Under  the  firm  confidence  of  General  Washington's  resolutions 
which  I  ever  thought  consistent  with  those  of  the  American  Congress, 
I  undertook,  notwithstanding  what  I  had  suffered,  the  very  long 
Journey  towards  New  York,  and  after  much  fatigue  and  detriment  to 
my  Constitution,  being  attacked  with  a  continual  slow  Fever,  I  ar- 
rived together  with  Maj?  Gen1.  Phillips  in  Thirteen  Days  at  Elizabeth 
Town,  and  had  anticipated  much  happiness  from  the  hopes  of  a 
speedy  Cure,  by  the  change  of  Air  and  advice  of  good  Physicians, 
which  I  was  sure  of  finding  at  New  York  :  You  will  easily  imagine 
what  was  my  astonishment  at  seeing  two  Hours  after  my  arrival  at 
Elizabeth  Town  a  Resolve  of  Congress,  that  we  should  not  be  ad- 
mitted into  New  'York  for  the  present,  but  wait  further  Orders,  add- 
ing that  we  should  be  removed  immediately  to  Chatham,  and  from 
thence,  have  been  ordered  to  Bethlehem  where  we  now  are. 

Although  I  never  could  have  conceived  such  a  Resolve  after  the 
positive  declaration  of  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  which 
determined  our  undertaking  the  Journey,  I  should  with  every  degree 
of  Patience,  submit  to  the  will  of  the  American  Congress,  if  the  very 
impaired  State  of  my  Health  did  not  render  my  situation  very  criti- 
cal. I  am  in  the  need  of  the  advice  of  skillfull  Physicians  a  strict 
Regimen  and  particular  conveniences  for  my  reestablishment,  all 
which  are  almost  impossible  to  be  had  in  this  Country,  and  the 
longer  I  remain  here  without  this  very  requisite  assistance,  the  more 
I  find  my  Complaints  gain  ground,  which  if  I  am  obliged  to  return 
to  the  Climate  of  Virginia  before  being  entirely  recovered  I  fear  may 
endanger  my  Life. 

It  is  not  for  me  to  Expatiate  on  the  reasons  which  the  American 
Congress  may  have  to  detain  Maj*  General  Phillips  and  myself,  but 
am  convinced  whenever  that  Body  may  be  informed  of  the  very  111 
State  of  my  Health;  an  exception  will  be  made  and  permission 
granted  for  my  going  into  New  York,  at  least  for  the  time  it  may 
require  to  re-establish  my  Health,  especially  when  it  is  considered 
that  my  residence  there  can  in  no  way  prove  prejudicial  to  the  In- 
terests of  the  Continent. 

I  have  hesitated  making  a  representation  to  the  American  Con- 
gress, as  I  am  perhaps  entirely  unknown  to  that  Body  ;  but  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  having  been  the  Cause  of  my  un- 
dertaking this  great  Journey,  it  is  to  Him  that  I  have  addressed 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  217 

myself,  setting  forth  every  Circumstance,  and  am  persuaded  from 
His  proper  manner  of  thinking  that  He  will  make  the  most  favorable 
applications  to  the  American  Congress  in  my  behalf. 

The  honor  I  have  had  in  forming  an  acquaintance  with  you  and 
the  high  Idea  I  have  conceived  of  your  character  has  induced  me 
thus  freely  to  describe  my  situation  to  you  as  a  Friend,  of  the  good 
effects  of  whose  Friendship  I  am  the  more  perfectly  assured  from 
your  being  a  Member  of  the  Body,  and  whose  influence  I  am  con- 
vinced will  be  employed  on  every  occasion  to  second  and  support 
any  representation  of  General  Washingtons  in  my  Favor ;  for  which 
I  shall  ever  acknowledge  myself  greatly  obliged  and  esteem  myself 
singularly  happy  to  have  it  in  my  Power  to  testify  my  gratitude,  and 
request  you  will  be  persuaded  of  the  very  respectfull  sentiments  with 
which  I  shall  ever  be,  Sir,  Your  most  obliged  and 

Very  obedient  humble  Servt. 

(signed)  de  Riedesel. 

P.  S.  Having  mentioned  to  Gen.  Phillips  that  I  have  the  Pleasure 
of  writing  to  you  he  has  charged  me  with  his  warmest  Compliments 
&  respects  to  you  &  Mrs.  Fitzhugh.* 


TO    THE    PRESIDENT   OF    CONGRESS.f 

Memorial  in  behalf  of  Officers,  Prisoners  of  War. 

Philadelphia,  13th  Nov.,  1779. 
Sir:— 

It  is  with  pain  and  reluctance  I  now  trouble  your 
Excellency  on  a  subject,  interesting  to  the  unfortunate 
servants  of  the  Public  in  general,  who  are  in  captivity, 
and  to  the  Supreme  Council  of  the  United  States,  as 

*  From  a  copy  among  the  Webb  MSS. 

On  September  28th  Congress  had  decided  that  "  it  is  highly  improper,  under 
the  present  circumstances  of  our  affairs,  to  permit  any  of  the  officers  or  persons 
aforesaid  to  go  into  New  York;  and  the  board  of  war  are  hereby  directed  to  de- 
tain them  until  the  further  order  of  Congress."  Five  weeks  later  this  resolution 
was  rescinded,  and  the  British  officers  released  on  parole.  The  first  act  was  a 
blunder,  placing  Washington  in  a  very  delicate  and  annoying  position. 

t  Samuel  Huntington. 


218         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

the  Guardian  of  their  officers,  and  to  myself  as  an  in- 
dividual. To  the  Wisdom  and  Justice  of  Congress  I 
must  now  appeal,  &  beg  their  attention  to  the  follow- 
ing particulars: 

In  May  last,  two  Brigadiers,  five  Colonels  and  a 
Major,  Prisoners  of  War  to  the  British  Army,  were 
permitted  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  retire  to  their 
friends  in  the  County  on  Parole,  on  condition  that 
Gen'l  Phillips  and  Reidesel  should  be  allowed  to  go 
into  New  York  on  the  same  terms.  Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Thompson  and  myself,  by  Letter  bearing  date 
May  20th,  requested  Congress  that  the  above  named 
Gentlemen  might  have  permission  to  go  into  New 
York,  and  a  Committee  was  appointed  and  made  their 
Report.  Congress  thereupon  passed  a  Resolution  on 
the  3d  of  June,  empowering  His  Excellency  General 
Washington,  to  make  such  Parole  Exchanges  as  he 
tho't  proper;  in  consequence  of  which,  orders  were 
immediately  given  for  Generals  Phillips,  Reidesel  and 
Families  to  proceed  to  New  York.  They  some  time 
since  arrived  at  Elizabeth  Town  on  their  way,  and 
there  received  a  Resolution  of  Congress  ordering 
them  back  to  Pennsylvania. 

It  is  now  six  months  since  we  left  New  York,  and 
have  been  in  constant  expectation  that  those  gentle- 
men would  be  permitted  to  return  thither;  but  un- 
happily find  that  in  consequences  of  their  being  de- 
tained, Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  issued  a  positive  order 
that  all  American  Officers  now  in  the  country  on 
Parole,  return  immediately  to  their  captivity  in  New 
York:  Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  Col.  Beatty's 
orders  for  that  purpose.     This  not  only  effects  the  two 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  219 

Brigadiers  and  five  Colonels,  who  came  out  on  that 
condition,  but  many  others  who  have  been  indulged  in 
the  same  way.  In  behalf  of  the  whole  and  by  advice 
of  several  general  officers  of  the  army  &  others,  I  have 
without  loss  of  time,  repaired  to  this  City  to  request 
that  The  Hon'ble  The  Congress  would  be  pleased  to 
permit  General  Phillips  and  Reidesell  to  go  into  New 
York  agreeable  to  the  Resolution  of  Congress  and  the 
order  of  General  Washington — not  doubting,  but  that 
the  Reasons  which  induced  Congress  to  detain  them 
for  a  time,  are  now  at  an  end. 

I  trust  it  is  needless  to  enumerate  the  many  incon- 
veniences and  difficulties,  which  will  attend  the  Ameri- 
can officers  in  captivity,  in  case  these  gentlemen  should 
not  be  permitted  to  go  in.  Should  it  be  tho't  necessary 
to  mention  the  particular  difficulties  to  which  they  will 
be  subjected,  I  shall  be  happy  to  have  an  opportunity 
of  laying  them  before  your  Excellency  or  a  committee 
of  Congress. 

Should  Congress  have  no  objection  to  those  gentle- 
men going  into  New  York,  I  beg  that  an  order  may  be 
given  as  early  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  other  im- 
portant affairs  before  them.  Your  attention  to  this 
matter  will  greatly  oblige  the  unfortunate  officers  in 
captivity,  myself  in  particular,  now  anxiously  awaiting 
a  decision  on  this  subject. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  utmost  Respect, 
Your  Excellency's  most  obed't 

&  very  Hum'l  Serv'. 
Sam'l  B.  Webb.* 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  395. 


220        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   CONNOLLY. 

1 6  November,  1779. 
Sir: 

Altho  Congress  have  resolved  to  exchange  me  for  any  Lieut :  Coll : 
in  the  service  of  the  United  States ;  yet  I  have  some  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  a  Colonel  has  been  required  by  the  Board  of  War — Should 
this,  their  requisition  prove  fruitless  (which  very  possibly  may  be  the 
case,)  my  setting  out  with  you  in  the  interim  for  Elizabeth,  would 
undoubtedly  expedite  the  accomplishment  of  our  mutual  Wishes; 
&  could  not  prove  prejudicial  to  the  design  in  hand  should  it  suc- 
ceed ;  as  I  would  then  be  only  so  far  advanced  on  my  way — 

I  think  (sir)  from  your  peculiar  circumstances,  should  you  urge 
these  reasons  they  could  not  avoid  producing  the  desired  effect. 
I  am  sir  Your  most  obet.  Servt. 

Jn?  Connolly.* 


MAJOR-GENERAL   PHILLIPS   TO   SIR   HENRY  CLINTON. 

Bethlehem,  Novr.  20th,  1779. 
Sir: 

Yesterday  afternoon  Colonel  Webb  of  the  American  Service  ar- 
rived at  this  place  from  Philadelphia ;  he  brought  me  a  letter  from 
the  American  Board  of  War,  a  Copy  of  which  I  enclose,  by  which 
you  will  perceive,  Sir,  that  I  am  with  Major  General  De  Riedesel  at 
liberty  to  renew  my  journey  and  to  go  into  New  York. 

Colonel  Webb  being  in  New  England  and  red  in  the  Publick  prints 
an  Account  of  my  being  detained  ;  he  immediately  set  out  for  General 
Washington's  Head  Quarters  to  receive  the  Generals  instructions  for 
his  return  to  New  York,  Colonel  Webb  conceiving,  upon  a  principle 
of  honour  that  being  suffered  to  visit  his  friends  upon  his  parole, 
under  a  condition  of  Major  General  De  Riedesel  and  myself  being 
allowed  an  equal  favour  for  ourselves  and  our  respective  families  that 
he  ought,  upon  our  being  detained,  to  return  to  New  York  and  he 
writ  to  Brigadier-General  Thompson  upon  the  subject. 

Upon  Colonel  Webb's  arrival  at  Head  Quarters  a  few  days  ago  he 
was  informed  by  the  American  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners 
that  a  summons  had  been  sent  to  him  and  others  [of]  the  American 

*  See  Pennsylvania  Magazine  of  History  and  Biography,  xiii,  61,  153,  281. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  221 

officers  Prisoners  of  War  requiring  their  immediate  return  to  New 
York  in  consequence  of  Orders  thereon  from  your  Excellency — This 
by  no  means  can  lessen  Colonel  Webb's  propriety  of  conduct  and  I 
have  further  to  add  that  to  the  force  of  this  Gentleman's  representa- 
tions at  Philadelphia  may  be  ascribed  our  being  suffered  so  soon  to 
renew  our  journey  to  New  York. 

Under  this  description  permit  me,  sir,  to  suppose  that  the  gener- 
osity of  your  mind  may  influence  you  to  postpone  your  intentions 
concerning  the  return  of  those  American  Officers  into  New  York, 
they  are  unquestionably  entirely  innocent  relating  to  the  detention 
of  Major  General  De  Riedesel  and  myself,  and  General  Washington 
has  declared  to  me  by  letter  that  he  knew  not  the  reasons  which  had 
actuated  the  American  Congress  in  their  conduct  on  this  occasion — 
It  remains  yet  unexplained. 

It  would  be  presumption  in  me  to  say  more  upon  this  subject, 
knowing  perfectly  well  that,  upon  your  Excellencys  humanity  and 
judgment,  will  depend  the  fate  of  the  American  Prisoners  of  War 
War  absent  upon  their  parole. 

I  send  this  letter  by  an  Officer  who,  I  hope,  will  have  a  liberty  of 
going  into  New  York,  and  by  him  I  will  request  to  receive  your  Ex- 
cellency's Commands  upon  my  arrival  at  Elizabeth  Town. 

I  shall  set  out  from  this  place  immediately  on  the  arrival  of  Colo- 
nel Hooper  from  Philadelphia,  who  is  to  attend  me  and  Major  Gen- 
eral De  Riedesel,  I  imagine  it  will  be  on  Tuesday  next,  and  Your 
Excellency  will  easily  conceive  that  I  shall  not  be  long  upon  the 
Route. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  highest  respect  Your  Excellency's 
most  obedient  most  humble  servant  W.  Phillips. 


JOSHUA  LORING  TO   COLONEL  BEATTY. 

New  York,  24  November,  1779. 
Sir: 

Major-Generals  Phillips  &  Riedesel  having  come  within  our  Lines, 
Brigadier-Generals  Thompson,  Waterbury,  &  Col?  Webb  are  hereby 
exempted  from  the  summons  lately  given  for  all  your  officers  at 
home  on  Parole  to  Return,  and  as  soon  as  the  two  Generals  arrive  at 
New  York,  Col?  Magaw  shall  have  permission  to  go  out.     And  I  shall 


222         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

be  ready  to  account  for  the  Suittes  of  those  General  Officers  as  be- 
fore agreed  on. 

The  Remainder  of  your  Officers  at  home  on  Parole,  we  expect 
will  come  in  agreeable  to  their  Summons. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  due  respect  &c 

Jos*  Loring 
Com?  Genl  Pris?5. 


TO    JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

New  Hempsted,  io  Miles  from  King's  Ferry, 

Tuesday  Eveng.  30th  Nov.  1779. 
Dear  Wadsworth  : 

Enclosed  my  friend  you  have  a  letter  to  one  of  the 
best  girls  in  the  world  *  if  you  go  to  Philadelphia  its  all 
in  your  rout  to  Biddies,  and  from  that  to  Trenton  &  let 
me  add  the  nearest  way,  in  that  case  call  and  see  the 
Dear  Charmer  in  a  state  of  Exile,  say  for  me  all  your 
lively  imagination  could  suppose  I  should  say  for  my- 
self was  I  present,  and  notice  I  have  said  in  my  letter 

that  you  would  not  forget  the  Miss should  you 

not  see  her,  send  the  letter  by  a  carefull  hand  only — 
Should  you  see  Skinner  or  Beatty  I  beg  you'll  not  for- 
get what  I  told  you  this  day,  I  do  not  wish  them  to 
consult  Head  Quarters  about  my  Exchange  in  the 
Certificate,  but  in  case  my  offer  is  accepted  of — viz — 
two  Lieut.  Colonels  &  Majr  Bankby  late  of  the  35* 
they  will  act  as  private  Characters,  &  my  friend,  or  im- 
mediately dispatch  an  Express  to  me,  informing  Lore- 
ing  a  certificate  of  their  Exchange  will  be  forwarded. 

In  December  1777  you  sent  me  a  Horse  by  Sergt 
Weston  (rather  a  Bay  Mare)  for  my  Waggon.  Lt  Col 
Livingston  borrowed  him  the  Jan'y  following  to  go  to 

♦Miss  Bancker. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  223 

Boston — before  his  return  I  was  obliged  to  go  into 
New  York,  since  I  heard  nothing  of  the  mare  'till  this 
day  after  parting  with  you  my  Boy  informed  me,  that 
Churchill  the  Soldier  of  mine  that  is  w\  Livingston  told 
him — that  Livingston  had  got  the  mare,  and  said  it  was 
a  present  from  you — now  as  this  mare  must  stand 
charged  against  me  I  tho't  it  my  Duty  to  inform  you 
where  she  was, — you  know  the  mare — Remember  me 
with  Sentiments  of  Esteem  to  Genl  Greene  Lady  & 
family  &  the  circle  of  our  acquaintance — Lets  hear 
from  you  soon  & 

believe  me  sincerely  yr  friend  & 

obed  Servt 

Saml  B  Webb. 
Excuse  the  dirty  blotted  sheet  I  have  been  writing 
on — I  have  no  other.* 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   PHILLIPS. 

New  York,  Deer  2d,  1779. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  take  the  opportunity  of  a  Flag  going  to  Elizabeth- town  to  inform 
you  that  I  am  arrived  here  among  my  friends ;  and  as  my  time,  as 
you  will  naturally  conclude,  has  been  hitherto  engaged  in  receiving 
the  civilities  and  attention  of  my  friends,  I  have  not  had  an  oppor- 
tunity of  entering  upon  business  of  any  kind.  I  do  not,  however, 
forget  the  conversation  we  had  on  the  subject  of  exchanges ;  and  I 
beg  leave  to  repeat  to  you  that  I  shall  be  extremely  happy  to  be 
instrumental  in  forwarding  so  desirable  an  object  for  both  Armies. 

You  will  please  to  remember  that  you  promised  on  your  return  to 
the  American  headquarters,  to  mention  to  General  Washington  our 
Ideas  on  the  subject ;  and  you  assured  me  that  I  should  hear  further 
from  you  relative  to  this  business.  I  shall  be  very  glad,  as  I  men- 
tioned to  you  before,  to  meet,  with  the  consent  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS,  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 


224         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

any  gentleman  recommended  by  General  Washington,  to  talk  with 
upon  these  matters  at  any  time,  or  in  any  manner  most  agreeable ; 
and  when  I  have  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  this  measure  will 
be  adopted,  I  will  then  ask  General  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  Commands 
to  enter  upon  the  subject  of  exchanges  with  such  gentlemen.  This 
I  shall  do  with  much  pleasure  and  cheerfulness,  beginning  it  as  a 
matter  of  private  conversation  first,  which  may  hereafter  be  resolved 
into  a  public  discussion,  should  our  Ideas  on  the  subject  fortunately 
happen  to  coincide,  and  that  I  obtained  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  consent 
upon  the  occasion,  whom  I  do  not  intend  to  trouble  upon  the  affair 
until  I  hear  from  you. 

It  will  give  me  great  pleasure  if,  through  your  and  my  means,  any 
measure  should  be  adopted  which  may  tend  to  the  relief  of  Captivity 
on  both  sides. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  much  personal  respect,  your  most  obedient  most 
humble  servant  W.  Phillips. 


TO   JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

Wethersfield  94.h  Dec?  1779. 
Dear  Wadsworth  : 

I  am  again  at  the  old  Mansion  with  the  usual  feelings 
of  a  Prisoner,  seeing  my  Regiment  has  if  possible  made 
me  doubly  anxious  for  an  exchange.  The  Gentlemen 
of  my  Regiment  assure  me  Sherburne  is  seriously  de- 
termined to  dispute  Rank  with  me,  certain  I  am,  he 
must  have  his  advisors  of  some  weight  otherwise  he 
never  would  attempt  so  unjust  a  step.  I  beg  leave  to 
trouble  you  with  the  particular  situation  and  request 
your  aid  to  support  me  in  my  absence.  I  had  the 
Rank  of  major  in  June  1775,  Ll.  Co1,  in  June  76  and 
full  Colonel  in  Jan?  yy.  Sherburne  was  a  Major  in  75 
and  continued  as  such  till  Jan?  yy  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed to  a  Regiment,  tho  not  'till  weeks  after  my 
appointment,  and  I  had  gone  into  the  Country  on  the 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  225 

Recruiting  service  in  77;  he  never  hinted  an  Idea  of 
being  an  elder  officer, — I  am  told  his  only  pretensions 
are  that  he  went  out  a  Major  in  75  &  I  a  Lieut, — true, 
I  was  Chester's  Lieut,  about  a  month,  but  my  only  in- 
ducement for  taking  that  Commission  was  the  Man's 
goodness  who  commanded  the  Company — but  suppose 
I  had  had  no  Commission  till  my  Lieut.  Colonelcy  my 
promotion  from  that  day  went  ahead  of  him.  Co1. 
Meigs  was  a  major  in  the  same  situation,  I  ask'd  him  if 
he  had  in  Idea  to  claim  Rank  of  me  he  disdained  the 
tho't,  &  laugh'd  at  Sherburne's  attempting  it. — If  it  was 
once  admitted  there  would  be  no  end  to  disputes,  for 
on  the  same  principle  I  have  a  right  to  claim  Rank  of 
Brigadier  Gen1.  Gist,  he  was  a  Volunteer  at  Cambridge 
when  I  was  a  Major,  several  other  similar  cases  I  could 
name  but  think  them  needless. — I  have  troubled  you 
thus  far  on  this  head,  supposing  you  may  often  fall  in 
Company  where  the  subject  may  be  mentioned — in 
February  I  intend  going  to  the  Army  for  a  month  or 
two  when  I  will  endeavor  to  have  the  matter  fix'd — I 
have  wrote  General  Green  on  the  subject,  after  chat- 
ting with  him,  be  so  obligeing  as  to  write  me. 

I  wrote  you  on  my  way  home  and  enclosed  a  Letter 
for  Miss  B.  which  I  hope  you  have  received. 

Mr.  Colt  tells  me  he  mentioned  to  you  his  purchase 
of  Powder  and  prospects  of  the  great  profit  arising 
thereon — your  Hum  servt.  had  dip'd  in  the  same  way,, 
the  powder  was  sold  by  Mr.  Barrell  for  more  than 
double  the  cost,  but  Judge  our  disappointment  when  by 
the  last  post  we  hear  that  the  powder  is  all  condemned 
and  turned  on  our  Hands,  &  that  article  since  fallen 
one  half — &  geting  lower,  Doelittle  deserves  to  be 


226         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

hung,  we  are  in  hopes  to  make  him  do  us  Justice,  but  I 
have  my  doubts, — this  my  first  Essay  on  Speculation, 
Dam  the  luck.  The  Experiment  is  to  sail  in  a  few 
days — I  think  she  might  do  well.  West  India  goods 
continue  to  rise  amazeingly — money  depreciating,  pub- 
lic Virtue  totally  damn'd — Morals  of  good  men  effected, 
— Public  men  &  Public  measures  like  the  Money,  in 
short  every  thing  is — as  nothing  should  be, — No  steps 
taking  for  reinforcing  our  Army  against  another  Cam- 
paign,—  members  of  Congress  and  their  Puppies 
throwing  the  whole  country  in  a  state  of  Stupidity — 
with  an  Idea  our  Salvation  is  to  be  work'd  out  in 
Europe  this  Winter, — I  wish  for  better  times. 

Yesterday  I  saw  M?  Wadsworth  and  your  little  fam- 
ily well, — let  me  hear  from  you  soon,  make  my  Comptf 
to  Gen1.  Green  &  Lady,  to  Co1.  Williams  &c — and  ac- 
cept those  of  the  circle  here — We  celebrate  Sl.  Split 
G — t  at  our  friend  Chesters  tomorrow,  next  Evening 
have  a  family  Ball  here,  thus  we  kick  away  old  Time, 
&  heartily  wish  your  Company, — don't  forget  to  save 
your  convenient  Camp  furniture  for  me,  particularly  the 
Silver  Cups,  and  on  all  occasions  believe  me  most  Sin- 
cerely Your  friend  &  Obliged 

Hum  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

Friday  io1}1 
Capt.  Talbot  in  the  Sloop  Providence  or  Argo  a  few 
days  since  being  off  Huntington, — house'd  his  Guns 
and  men,  went  into  the  Harbor — boarded  and  brof.  of 
the  Armed  Brigg — formerly  the  Middletown  Capt 
Sage. — a  20  Gun  Ship  in  sight,  he  came  of  clear  &  has 
arrived  at  New-London  with  his  Prize. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  227 

I  left  at  your  Quarters  at  Murderer's  Creek  when  I 
went  for  Philadelphia,  pr.  Boots,  Shirt  Casimer  Waist- 
coat &c — which  is  somewhere  with  your  Baggage — I'll 
thank  you  if  you'll  let  your  Boys  take  care  of  them  for 
me. 

Sunday  12^  Mr.  Hubbard  informs  me  the  Express 
sets  of  early  to  morrow — I  have  only  time  to  inform 
you  the  news  of  Talbots  success  is  without  the  least 
foundation — tho:  reported  here  as  currently  as  our 
Success  at  Charlestown  last  Summer — we  have  fre- 
quent Instances  of  this  kind  in  the  Country — I  think 
more  than  ever — 

Should  this  meet  you  in  Philadelphia  make  my  best 
Compliments  to  Mrs.  House — Mr.  Trist — &  to  the 
pretty  Miss  Ross. — * 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  Dec'r  n*h  1779. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

After  an  absence  of  near  Six  Weeks  a  long  Journey, 
much  trouble  and  expense  to  the  tune  of  more  than 
£joo  Law.  My  ,  I  am  again  at  the  old  mansion,  al- 
most worn  out  with  rideing ;  for  my  pains  I  have  ob- 
tained Liberty  to  continue  out  in  Parole,  no  Exchange, 
altho  I  have  offered  Two  Lieut  Colonels  and  a  Major 
out  of  the  Certificate,  it  seems  determined  I  am  to 
remain  in  this  very  unhappy  situation,  which  way  to 
turn  or  what  to  do,  I  know  not. 

Looking  over  your  letters  to  my  Brother  dureing 
my  absence  I  find  you  frequently  mention  the  settling 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.  in  the  posession  of  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 


228        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

our  accounts  with  the  Agents  of  the  Washington  and 
Gates,  when  at  home  seldom  a  day  pass'd  but  I  press'd 
them  to  let  me  know  the  state  of  accounts,  as  often 
they  promised,  but  none  has  yet  appeared ;  the  fact  is 
these  new-made  Gentry  know  not  how  to  dispatch 
business,  and  were  they  ever  so  much  disposed  neither 
of  them  could  make  out  their  accounts  to  be  under- 
stood, however  I've  press'd  them  so  hard  they  have  at 
length  hired  a  Man  who  is  prepareing  their  Books  for 
a  settlement,  they  shall  have  no  peace  'till  its  done, 
after  which  if  nothing  material  happens  you  will  be 
troubled  a  few  days  with  my  Company  in  Boston.  I 
am  happy  and  congratulate  you  and  Sally  on  the  addi- 
tion to  your  family,  you  ought  to  be  thankfull,  as  the 
times  are,  that  there  was  not  two  or  three. 

The  Powder  condemned, — my  first  assay  in  the 
speculateing  way,  ill  luck  seems  to  stick  close  to  me, 
one  satisfaction  is  I  did  not  dip  so  deep  as  some  others. 

[Saml  B.  Webb.] 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   RAMSEY. 

New  York,  December  14,  1779. 
Sir: 

From  the  present  appearance  of  affairs,  there  is  the  greatest  prob- 
ability that  some  Officers  will  be  permitted  to  go  out  to  Philadelphia 
on  the  subject  of  an  exchange  in  a  few  days — As  you  are  equally 
interested  in  this  subject,  your  interest  with  Congress  and  presence 
is  wished  for  and  could  you  be  in  Philadelphia  about  two  weeks 
hence,  it  would  perhaps  answer  a  valuable  purpose. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obed1.  hum?  Serv*. 

Nat:  Ramsey.* 

*  Endorsed  "  Examined,  J.  Loring,  Com.  Gen\  Prists ." 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  229 

GENERAL   PHILLIPS   TO    GENERAL   CLINTON. 

New  York,  December  20th,  1779. 
Sir: 

I  had  the  honor  to  report  to  you,  Sir,  my  having  received  a  letter 
from  the  American  Colonel  [George]  Mathews,  expressing  a  desire 
of  having  a  conversation  with  me  respecting  Exchanges,  and  giving 
as  his  opinion  that  so  humane  a  purpose  might  be  attained  upon 
terms  of  equal  advantage  to  both  the  British  and  American  armies. 

Having  received  your  Excellency's  permission  to  converse  with 
Col.  Mathews  or  any  other  American  officer,  I  have  to  inform  you, 
Sir,  that  I  have  had  frequent  meetings  with  several  of  those  gentle- 
men prisoners  of  war,  and  the  result  has  been  our  presuming  to 
commit  to  writing  some  proposals  towards  a  general  exchange  in 
which  the  prisoners  of  war  on  both  sides  and  the  Troops  of  Conven- 
tion are  included. 

We  have  attempted  to  do  this  upon  the  most  liberal  principles, 
and  have  endeavored  by  all  possible  means  to  put  away  every  ex- 
ceptionable matter  which  might  create  delay  or  set  aside  the  opera- 
tion of  a  business  in  which  humanity  is  so  materially  concerned. 

We  have  taken  the  liberty  to  draw  up  some  memorandums  to 
serve  as  a  basis  for  a  negotiation,  and  we  have  been  so  impressed 
with  the  rectitude  of  our  way  of  thinking  on  the  occasion  that  we 
have  ventured  to  sign  our  names  to  the  paper,  meaning  to  have  it 
presented  on  my  part  to  your  Excellency,  and  on  theirs  to  General 
Washington,  meaning,  also,  that  the  completion  of  so  fortunate  and 
so  happy  a  purpose  may  be  concluded  between  your  Excellency  and 
General  Washington  by  each  of  you  granting  powers  to  an  officer  or 
officers  from  the  British  and  American  armies  to  meet  and  settle 
finally  the  matter  so  that  a  general  exchange  may  immediately  follow. 

Should  you,  Sir,  receive  favorably  the  paper  I  have  the  honor  to 
present  you,  I  am  to  request  as  a  part  of  this  transaction  that  your 
Excellency  will  permit  four  American  officers,  prisoners  of  war,  Col. 
Mathews,  Col.  Maygaw,  [Magaw]  Lieu*  Col.  Ramsay  &  Lieut.  Col. 
Ely  to  go  to  Genl  Washington  to  make  on  their  parts  this  proposal 
for  a  general  exchange,  they  signing  a  parole  to  return  to  New  York 
on  the  twenty  eighth  day  from  their  setting  out  from  hence,  they 
supposing  it  may  require  that  time  to  settle  a  business  of  such  serious 
consequence,  they  meaning  however  to  return  as  much  sooner  as 
Possible. 


230        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  take  leave  to  offer  myself  still  further  in  the  prosecution  of  this 
matter  and  not  conceiving  it  at  all  derogatory  to  my  situation  or 
parole,  will,  with  great  pleasure,  should  your  Excellency  so  approve, 
become  one  of  the  officers  on  the  part  of  the  British  to  meet  in 
commission  those  American  officers  whom  General  Washington  shall 
send  on  his  part. 

I  cannot  help  permitting  myself  to  express  the  great  satisfaction  I 
feel  at  having  been  thus  far  instrumental  to  what  I  am  sure  has  ever 
been  a  principal  object  with  your  Excellency,  and  if  I  should  under 
your  Excellency's  orders  be  able  to  compleat  this  humane  object,  I 
shall  esteem  it  among  the 'most  fortunate  events  of  my  life,  it  will 
compensate  for  the  misfortune  I  have  suffered,  and  render  me  per- 
fectly happy.     I  have  the  honor  &c  W.  Phillips. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   GREENE. 

Morristown,  Decern.  21st  '79. 
Dear  Sir: 

Your  polite  and  agreeable  letter  of  the  8th  came  to  hand  last 
Evening.  An  Express  goes  to  Hartford  this  morning,  and  your  great 
anxiety  to  hear  from  Camp  induces  me  to  write  you  a  line,  altho'  I 
am  crowded  on  every  side  with  business. 

Col.  Sherburne  has  been  frequently  at  my  quarters  since  his  arrival, 
but  I  have  had  no  fair  opportunity  of  opening  the  subject  to  him. 
The  principle  I  am  told  upon  which  he  claims  rank  of  you  is,  that 
you  had  no  rank  from  being  aide-de-camp  ;  and  he  has  but  too  much 
foundation  for  this  opinion,  from  the  sentiments  of  the  Gentlemen  at 
Head  Quarters  on  this  question.  It  is  an  opinion  that  I  always  op- 
posed, as  repugnant  to  reason  and  common  sense,  that  a  person 
might  have  rank,  and  yet  not  have  it.  You  may  rest  assured  that 
nothing  on  my  part  shall  be  wanting,  to  do  you  justice,  and  I  shall 
esteem  it  a  pleasure  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  serve  you. 

I  have  heard  nothing  further  respecting  your  exchange,  and  know 
not  how  to  mention  the  matter  to  the  General  respecting  a  meeting 
with  General  Phillips.  Such  a  meeting  may  produce  some  good 
consequences,  but  I  really  don't  believe  the  General  would  be  very 
fond  of  the  measure.  In  your  next  I  beg  you  to  be  more  particular 
respecting  your  own  exchange,  and  in  what  you  wish  me  to  aid  you. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  231 


We  shall  be  happy  to  see  you  at  Camp,  where  you  will  find  the 
true  military  spirit,  justice  and  generosity  The  great  body  of  the 
People  you  know  are  contracted,  selfish  and  illiberal ;  and  therefore 
not  calculated  to  harmonize  with  a  noble  nature  like  yours.  It  is 
astonishing  when  one  takes  a  view  of  human  nature  (even  in  this 
free  Country)  to  see  how  much  it  is  under  the  dominion  of  igno- 
rance and  prejudice,  bound  down  to  rules  and  modes  of  behavior  that 
have  neither  pleasure  nor  profit  to  recommend  them.  But  where 
am  I  running  upon  a  speculative  subject? — Not  less  than  a  dozen 
people  are  waiting  while  I  gallop  you  this  letter,  for  it  cannot  be 
called  writing.  I  must  stop  short  and  wish  you  good  by,  and  beg 
my  kind  compliments  to  Mrs.  Webb  and  her  jolly  husband — Please 
also  to  remember  me  to  Col.  Chester  and  his  family ;  in  doing  this 
you  will  not  forget  to  couple  Mrs.  Greene  with  me,  who  is  an  ad- 
mirer of  the  happy  circle  at  Weathersfield. 

The  Commissary's  and  Forage  Departments  are  in  a  damnable 
situation  for  want  of  money.  Col.  Wadsworth  is  at  Philadelphia 
swearing  like  a  disappointed  Jew  Turk.  General  Arnold's  trial 
comes  on  to-day,  he  has  not  arrived  this  morning  but  is  hourly  ex- 
pected. 

With  esteem  &  regard,  I  am  yours  sincerely 

Nath.  Greene. 

I  thank  you  kindly  for  the  Patterns  you  have  bo't  for  me  for  a  pair 
of  small  Cloth  and  Waistcoat,  and  wish  you  to  forward  them. 

We  talk  of  an  assembly  here. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Camp  in  Moreistown,  24  Dec,  1779. 
Dear  Webb  : 

Your  favor  of  the  nth  Instant  came  safely  to  hand.  Permit  me 
to  thank  you  sincerely  for  it,  as  it  took  me  to  Weth'f 'd  while  read- 
ing it.  You  will  by  the  date  perceive  that  we  are  in  camp,  tho' 
expect  if  good  weather,  to  have  the  Men's  Hutts  so  far  completed' 
that  they  may  go  into  them  on  Sunday  or  Monday.  The  officers 
hutts  are  not  begun,  nor  will  they  be  meddled  with  till  the  men  are 
covered.  My  own  Hutt  will  not  be  meddled  with  till  after  the  offi- 
cers have  finished  theirs.     The  severity  of  the  weather  hath  been 


232        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

such  that  the  men  have  suffered  much  ;  without  shoes  and  stockings, 
and  working  half  leg  deep  in  snow.  Poor  fellows,  my  heart  bleeds 
for  them,  while  I  Damn  my  country  as  void  of  gratitude. 

I  wish  that  you  would  send  me  all  the  clothing  in  store  immedi- 
ately, I  much  want  it  for  the  men,  though  am  positively  forbid  by 
the  General  using  any  scarlet  coats  on  any  ace*  .  I  wish  that  Wyllys 
who  will  be  at  home  soon  might  have  it  in  his  power  to  receive  the 
clothing  and  forward  it  to  the  Regiment. 

Since  I  saw  you  I  have  had  a  small  interview  with  Col.  Livingston, 
but  expect  to  have  a  thorough  investigation  of  matters  tomorrow. 
Apropos  Livingston  &  Van  Zandt  fought  a  duel  the  day  before  yes- 
terday— fired  twice  each,  Livingston  lodged  both  his  balls  in  Van 
Zandt's  body  or  rather  Breast  tho'  neither  of  them  entered  the  trunk 
of  his  body.  He  is  confined  to  his  room,  tho'  he  is  likely  to  be  well 
soon.  Friend  Scammell  will  give  you  the  particulars.  Money  is 
good  for  nothing  here,  no  not  a  Rush.  So  if  you  intend  to  live  when 
you  come  to  camp,  do  you  bring  a  good  store. 

I  am  sorry  that  Hetty  should  be  vexed  for  having  the  credit  of  a 
speech,  which  too  frequently  may  be  made  with  propriety. 

My  love  to  her  &  Mrs.  Webb,  Compliments  to  your  Lazy  Brother, 
&  believe  me,  sincerely  Yours,  Eb.  Huntington. 

Col.  Beatty  has  this  ^minute  call'd  on  me  in  expectation  of  Receiv- 
ing some  Coffee  which  your  Brother  informed  him  I  had  brought  on 
in  my  wagon — it  is  a  mistake,  as  I  brought  on  only  one  box  &  that 
was  for  Gen1.  Greene.  I  have  deliv'd  the  box  to  Gen1.  Greene,  & 
suppos'd  it  was  for  him.  Possibly  part  of  it  was  for  Col.  Beatty. 
Your  brother  can  tell.* 


SIR   HENRY   CLINTON  TO   MAJOR-GENERAL   PHILLIPS. 

New  York,  24  December,  1779. 
Sir: 

As  I  consented  to  your  conversing  with  Gentlemen  from  amongst 
the  American  Prisoners  of  War,  on  the  very  interesting  subject  of  an 
exchange  of  prisoners,  so  I  now  give  you  my  approbation  of  your 
proceedings,  and  my  thanks  for  the  earnestness  of  your  labours  in 
this  business. 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  200. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  233 

I  observe  that  with  a  steady  attention  to  our  purpose,  you  have 
with  temper  and  liberality  set  aside  any  subject  of  litigation  which 
might  obstruct  the  desirable  relief  from  captivity  which  is  in  view. 

The  ground  work  of  a  cartel  with  which  you  present  me  I  have 
perused,  and  deriving  from  its  appearance  of  equity  a  hope  of  its 
being  compleated,  I  give  my  freest  consent  to  those  Gentlemen 
whom  you  name  departing  on  their  parole  to  return  in  twenty-eight 
days. 

You  have  prevented  my  wishes  in  offering  yourself  as  commis- 
sioner, should  a  negociation  take  place ;  and  I  accept  your  services, 
thinking  with  you  that  it  will  incur  nothing  derogatory  to  your  situa- 
tion on  parole.     I  have  the  honor  &c  H.  Clinton. 


TO    MAJOR-GENERAL    PHILLIPS. 

Wethersfield  in  Connecticut,  25^  Dec! ,  1779. 
Sir: 

The  distance  from  Elizabeth-town  to  this  place  pre- 
vented your  letter  of  the  2d.  Ins*,  from  reaching  me 
till  last  Evening. 

Our  Army  being  on  the  March  at  the  time  I  was  on 
my  return  from  Jersey  prevented  my  paying  that  atten- 
tion to  the  business  we  conversed  on  that  I  intended, 
however  Sir  you  may  depend  such  is  my  desire  to 
render  the  situation  of  the  unfortunate  on  both  sides 
more  agreeable  that  nothing  on  my  part  shall  be  want- 
ing to  bring  about  an  Exchange, — for  that  purpose  it 
was  I  related  to  some  of  my  friends  in  the  Army  what 
passed  between  Us  at  Elizabeth-town,  and  was  anxious 
that  such  a  meeting  as  you  was  pleased  to  name  should 
take  place,  not  doubting  it  would  be  a  means  of  re- 
moving the  present  obstacles  to  a  General  Exchange. 
I  shall  again  write  on  the  Subject  and  hope  you  may 
soon  have  proposals  for  a  meeting.     In  a  few  weeks  I 


234        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

shall  set  of  for  Jersey — when  I  will  do  myself  the 
Honor  of  writeing  you  further  on  the  Subject.  Be 
pleased  to  mention  me  with  Sentiments  of  Esteem  to 
General  Riedesel — The  Gentlemen  of  your  &  his 
family, — with  Compliments  of  the  Season  I  have  the 
Honor  to  be  with  all  Personal  Respect  &  Esteem,  Sir, 
Your  Most.  Obed1. 

Most  Hume  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


MAJOR-GENERAL   PHILLIPS  TO    COLONEL   MAGAW   &c. 

New  York,  December  25th,  1779. 
Gentlemen  : 

It  is  with  the  greatest  satisfaction  that  I  have  delivered  to  you  his 
Excellency  Gen1.  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  permission  for  your  going  to 
Gen1.  Washington,  the  humane  purpose  which  carries  you  there  will 
in  every  event  do  credit  to  your  feelings  as  men  and  as  officers. 

I  cannot  help  supposing  that  your  negotiation  will  meet  with  suc- 
cess, and  as  the  proposals  for  an  exchange  are  founded  upon  so  large 
a  base,  I  apprehend  the  superstructure  may  very  easily  be  com- 
pleated ;  and  if  I  am  to  be  connected  with  the  future  proceedings, 
you  may  depend  I  shall  exert  every  endeavour  for  an  attainment  in 
which  I  am  concerned  with  so  many  suffering  persons. 

I  am  convinced  General  Washington  will  view  our  transaction  in 
the  clear  and  fair  light  it  merits,  and  I  am  persuaded  the  Congress 
will  also  see  this  matter  as  you,  Gentlemen,  will  offer  it  to  them. 

To  observe  upon  this  proposed  exchange  politically,  surely  the 
great  contest  between  Great  Britain  and  America  will  scarcely  feel 
the  event,  excepting  in  the  instances  of  humanity  and  liberality, 
which  this  business,  if  it  succeeds,  will  produce ;  I  need  not  observe 
militarily  upon  it  as  Gen1.  Washington's  knowledge  of  the  subject  and 
his  good  sense  will  give  it  its  true  explanation — The  prisoners  of  war 
are  out  of  the  question  in  any  argument,  and  the  two  divisions  pro- 
posed to  be  exchanged  of  the  Troops  of  Convention  taken  in  the 
fullest  Idea  will  give  us  very  few  privates,  and  of  those  many  of  them 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  235 

will  be  to  be  discharged  from  the  service ;  and  above  two-thirds,  if 
not  all  of  the  rest  sent,  at  the  opening  of  the  Spring  to  Canada. 

I  am  sure  it  is  unnecessary  to  expatiate  particularly  upon  the  sad 
alternative,  supposing  this  matter  breaks  off;  you  will  immediately 
perceive,  reflecting  upon  it,  that  it  must  be  attended  with  a  recall 
into  captivity  of  all  the  American  prisoners  of  war,  and  most  prob- 
ably a  General  Assembly  of  them,  from  every  part  of  America,  on 
Long  Island.  This  will  in  course  be  followed  by  my  returning  with 
Major  Gen1.  De  Riedesel  to  the  troops  of  Convention,  and  you  must 
be  convinced  with  me  that  the  present  prisoners  of  war,  or  otherwise, 
of  both  parties,  as  well  as  those  who  may  be  made  so  in  future ;  will 
become  wretched  sufferers  during  the  continuance  of  the  present 
unhappy  war. 

I  cannot  help  testifying  even  in  this  letter  the  respect  in  which  I 
hold  the  conduct  of  his  Majesty's  Commander  in  Chief  in  America, 
who  has  again  most  generously  offered  himself,  willing  to  join  with 
Gen1.  Washington  in  a  plan  for  a  general  exchange ;  should  it  fail,  I 
am  persuaded  you  will  agree  with  me  that  it  will  be  scarcely  possible 
to  renew  again  any  proposals  of  terms,  and  I  am  free  to  declare  to 
you  gentlemen,  that,  for  myself,  I  had  rather  perish  in  the  wilds  of 
Virginia  than  to  become  a  party  to  any  indignity  which  might  arise 
upon  such  an  occasion  ;  and  in  giving  these  my  sentiments,  I  know 
I  shall  be  joined  by  every  officer  and  soldier  in  the  King's  service, 
prisoners  of  war  and  Troops  of  Convention. 

I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  acknowledging  the  fairness  of 
your  proceedings  with  me  on  this  interesting  occasion,  and  how 
much  you  have  pursued,  with  a  steady  adherence  to  your  own  cause, 
the  dictates  of  humanity  and  liberal  minds. 

I  am  &c  W.  Phillips. 


FROM  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HUNTINGTON. 

Camp  near  Morris  Town 
29  December,  1779 
Dear  Webb  : 

A  few  days  since  I  wrote  you  by  my  old  friend  Col?  Scammell, 
since  which  have  not  been  favour?  with  any  of  yours.  At  that  time 
I  wrote  you  about  forwarding  the  Clothing,  now  in  Store,  must  again 


236        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

wish  it  done  if  Possible,  Particularly  the  small  Clothing,  as  we  are  in 
very  great  distress  for  the  want  of  it.  Our  Men  are  very  destitute 
of  clothing,  and  entirely  so  of  State  Refreshments.  I  wish  it  was 
better  attended  to  by  the  State,  as  the  Money,  if  the  men  had  it, 
would  not  Purchase  those  Refreshments  here,  which  are  highly 
necessary  for  their  Comfort. 

Col<?s  McGaw,  Ely,  Ramsay,  &c.  came  out  of  N.  York  on  Parole 
three  days  since  with  Propositions  from  Sir  Harry  Clinton  for  an 
Exchange — they  laid  those  Propositions  before  his  Excellency  yester- 
day, but  as  yet  have  not  received  his  Answer,  if  they  do  not  effect  it, 
they  will  return  again  soon. — Cap*  Williams  is  on  Detachment  at 
Paramus,  where  (he  writes  us)  he  is  most  agreeably  situated.  I 
expect  his  return  in  about  a  Week.  Our  Men's  hutts  are  so  nearly 
compleated  as  to  receive  nearly  all  the  men  under  cover — to-morrow 
God  willing  they  will  leave  their  tents  &  the  officers  will  begin  on 
theirs. 

Cap*  Wyllys  who  delivers  this,  goes  on  to  meet  the  Committee 
for  settling  the  Depreciation,  hope  Justice  will  be  done  &  the  Army 
be  satisfied. 

My  most  friendly  Compliments  attend  the  Circle  in  their  Winter's 
Pleasures. 

The  Gentlemen  of  the  Regiment  Present  their  Compliments  to 
you,  &  wish  your  speedy  exchange  to  join  the  Reg* 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  yours  most  sincerely 
Eb.  Huntington. 


PROPOSITION   FOR  AN   EXCHANGE. 
[Enclosed  in  Washington's  letter  to  Congress,  4  Jany  ,  1780.] 

It  is  presumed  proposals  for  an  exchange  may  be  opened  to  be 
finally  agreed  upon  by  the  two  commanders  in  chief  of  the  British 
and  American  armies  under  reciprocal  terms  and  mutual  faith  of 
equity,  equal  advantage  and  honour. 

First — To  exchange  in  the  first  instance  officers  prisoners  of  war, 
rank  for  rank,  but  should  officers  of  similar  rank  not  apply  the  ex- 
changes to  be  made  in  dissimilar  ranks  according  to  a  valuation  as 
may  be  agreed  to  hereafter ;  Private  soldiers  prisoners  of  war  to  be 
exchanged  against  private  soldiers  prisoners  of  war  in  the  same 
manner. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  237 

Secondly — To  exchange  in  the  second  instance  the  troops  of  con- 
vention, officers  and  privates  by  corps  alternately  as  may  be  fixed 
upon  by  lot,  or  otherwise,  between  the  commanders  in  chief  of  the 
respective  armies  according  to  a  valuation  of  privates  against  officers 
as  may  hereafter  be  agreed  to,  that  is  to  say  American  officers  for 
British  and  German  officers  of  equal  ranks  as  far  as  they  will  apply, 
corps  by  corps,  and  then  dissimilar  ranks,  according  to  a  tariff  to  be 
settled  for  that  purpose,  the  exchange  of  privates  of  such  corps  to  be 
settled  in  the  same  manner. 

Thirdly.  That  upon  such  exchanges  being  agreed  to,  should  a 
balance  in  American  officers  prisoners  of  war  remain  on  the  part  of 
the  British,  such  officers  to  have  liberty  to  reside  with  their  friends 
upon  parole  until  exchanged;  but  supposing  the  balance  to  be 
against  the  British  and  that  the  troops  of  Convention  or  others 
should  not  all  be  exchanged  that,  after  leaving  a  certain  number  of 
officers,  as  may  be  directed  by  the  British  commander  in  chief  with 
the  remaining  corps,  the  rest  to  have  liberty  to  go  and  reside  with 
their  friends  in  Europe  or  otherwise  until  exchanged,  and  such 
officers  so  to  be  left  may  at  the  option  of  the  British  commander  in 
chief  be  relieved  from  time  to  time  by  an  equal  number  of  officers 
of  equal  ranks.  This  indulgence  of  parole  to  be  extended  generally 
to  such  officers  of  both  the  British  and  American  armies  as  may 
hereafter  be  made  prisoners  of  war,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  ex- 
changes upon  the  plan  now  proposed  may  constantly  take  place  and 
as  immediately  as  circumstances  will  allow,  but  should  any  difficulties 
arise,  or  any  future  proposals  of  exchanges,  and  that  the  exchanges 
be  rejected  by  either  party,  the  officers  so  on  parole  to  be  liable  to 
be  called  into  captivity  at  the  orders  of  the  British  or  American 
commanders  in  chief,  provided  the  Commander  in  chief  so  calling 
shall  be  prepared  at  the  same  time  actually  to  deliver  up  such  officers 
belonging  to  his  army  as  had  been  permitted  to  go  on  their  paroles, 
except  such  as  may  be  in  Europe,  which  necessarily  requiring  some 
time  for  their  recall,  an  equal  number  of  equal  rank  to  be  suffered  to 
remain  on  parole  until  the  arrival  of  such  officers  from  Europe. 

Fourthly.  A  tariff  or  valuation  to  be  founded  for  officers  against 
privates,  by  which  the  estimation  of  officers  against  officers  of  dissim- 
ilar ranks  will  be  settled,  and  it  is  apprehended  it  may  not  be  an  im- 
proper method  to  do  this  by  opposing  a  certain  number  of  privates 


238         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

against  Serjeants  and  the  lowest  rank  of  officers,  viz  :  Ensign  or 
Second  Lieutenant  and  so  on  to  the  highest  ranks. 

Fifthly.  That  should  it  fortunately  happen  that  an  exchange  takes 
place,  such  part  of  the  troops  of  Convention  as  come  within  it  to  be 
marched  immediately  to  Elizabeth  Town  by  the  most  convenient 
route,  or  to  such  other  place  as  the  two  commanders  in  chief  may 
appoint,  there  to  be  met  by  an  equality  of  American  prisoners  of  war 
and  the  exchange  to  take  place  directly  upon  the  mutual  faith  and 
honour  of  the  two  Commanders  in  Chief. 

Sixthly.  That  all  officers  prisoners  of  war  on  both  sides  be  ex- 
changed according  to  the  rank  they  held  when  taken,  and  the  officers 
of  the  troops  of  Convention  according  to  the  rank  they  held  at  the 
treaty  of  Saratoga. 

Seventhly.  That  the  American  officers  prisoners  of  war  taken  by 
the  British  forces  in  Georgia  and  South  Carolina  be  suffered  to  go 
out  on  their  paroles,  after  being  mustered  and  certified  to  by  a  Brit- 
ish officer  or  Commissary,  and  the  principal  American  officer  pris- 
oner there ;  that  he  be  immediately  exchanged  for  British  and  Ger- 
man officers  who  have  been  made  prisoners  of  war  in  those  parts. 
The  American  private  soldiers  prisoners  of  war  to  be  exchanged  as 
far  as  they  apply  against  privates  of  the  British  army  made  prisoners 
of  war  in  those  parts  in  the  same  manner,  the  remaining  American 
private  soldiers  prisoners  of  war  to  be  exchanged  against  such  private 
soldiers  prisoners  of  war  of  the  British  army  as  may  be  in  other  parts 
of  America,  and  the  remaining  officers  to  be  exchanged  against  Brit- 
ish officers  prisoners  of  war,  should  there  be  any  left  in  other  parts 
of  America  to  apply,  and  then  finally  against  an  equal  number  of  the 
troops  of  Convention  according  to  the  terms  mentioned  in  the  fore- 
going articles :  and  as  the  suffering  the  American  officers,  made 
prisoners  of  war  in  those  parts  to  go  to  their  families  upon  parole, 
proceeds  from  liberal  motives  and  an  unwillingness  to  order  them  to 
this  part  of  America,  it  is  to  be  expected  that  no  delay  be  made  in 
the  final  exchange  of  them  against  the  troops  of  Convention,  to  pre- 
vent which  it  is  proposed  that  General  Washington  should  send  such 
powers  to  the  American  officers  there  as  may  render  the  mustering 
the  officers  absolute,  and  that  on  the  certificates  and  receipts  of 
American  officers  prisoners  of  war,  who  have  thus  been  suffered  to 
go  on  parole,  being  sent  to  the  American  commanding  officer  at 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  239 

Albemarle  barracks  in  Virginia,  that  officer  shall  be  empowered  to 
direct  an  exchange  of  a  proportionate  number  of  the  troops  of  Con- 
vention who  will  immediately  march  according  to  the  route  and 
manner  already  described  to  New  York :  to  effect  this  more  cer- 
tainly an  officer  of  the  troops  of  Convention  might  go  from  Virginia 
to  Georgia  and  return  with  the  proper  certificates.  Should  there  by 
any  accident  be  any  mistakes  in  such  certificates,  they  are  to  be 
rectified  as  soon  as  discovered. 

Eighthly.  That  on  these  exchanges  being  agreed  to  by  the  two 
commanders  in  chief  and  their  taking  place,  General  de  Riedesel  to 
be  exchanged  with  the  first  division  of  the  troops  of  Convention, 
Major  Gen1.  Phillips  at  the  head  of  the  second  division,  then  Lieu- 
tenant Gen1.  Burgoyne,  and  after  him  the  third  division.  By  this  it 
is  to  be  observed  that  the  troops  of  Convention  are  to  be  formed 
into  three  divisions  for  exchanges,  not  meaning,  however,  to  stop  the 
progress  of  exchanges,  but  to  allow  of  the  divisions  being  exchanged 
in  parts  as  far  as  numbers  will  apply. 

Ninthly.  Rather  than  defeat  so  humane  a  purpose  as  that  now  in 
contemplation,  it  is  to  be  wished  that  the  discussion  concerning  the 
exchange  of  officers  of  the  militia  not  taken  in  arms,  and  the  troops 
taken  at  the  Cedars,  may  be  put  off  for  the  present.  That  the  offi- 
cers of  militia  not  taken  in  arms  have  the  same  benefit  of  parole  with 
that  of  Lieut.  Gen1  Burgoyne. 

The  following  tariff  it  is  imagined  may  be  adopted  by  the  Com- 
manders in  chief  of  the  British  and  American  armies,  it  having  been 
calculated  with  every  attention  to  mutual  advantage,  equity  and 
honour. 

PROPOSED   TARIFF. 

Lieutenant  General  1044 

Major  General  372 

Brigadier  General  200 

Colonel  100 

Lieut-Colonel  72 

Major  28 

Captain  16 

First  Lieutenant  6 

Second  Lt.  &  Ensign  4 

Sergeant  2 


240         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Corporal,  drummer,  fifer,  private  soldier,  volunteer  i 

Adjutants  and  Quartermasters  to  reg1/5  and  corps  to  be  ex- 
changed as  first  Lieutenants  supposing  they  bear  no  other 
commission — otherwise  by  the  commissions  they  bear  in  their 
respective  corps.  6 

Surgeons  to  regV5  and  corps.  6 

Mates         do         do  4 

Chaplains  to  be  always  given  up  on  both  sides  without  exchange. 
The  staff  of  the  armies,  comprehending  adjutants  and  Quarter- 
master-Generals with  their  deputies  and  assistants,  aids  de 
camp,  and  majors  of  brigade,  to  be  exchanged  according  to 
the  rank  they  hold  in  the  army. 
Surgeons  of  the  General  Hospital  to  be  exchanged  as  Captains       16 
Deputy  Commissaries  General  to  be  exchanged  as  Captains  16 

Deputy  Paymasters  General  to  be  exchanged  as  Captains  16 

Their  deputies  and  assistants  as  First  Lieutenants  6 

W.  Phillips,  Major  General. 
RobT  Magaw  Col. 
Geo.  Mathews  Col. 
John  Ely  " 

Nat?  Ramsay  Lt.  Col.* 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HUNTINGTON. 

Morris  Town,  6th  Jany,  1780. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  wrote  you  a  few  days  since  pr  Capt  Wyllys  since  which  have  not 

been  favoured  with  any  of  yours.     I  impute  it  to  want  of  time  & 

Opportunity — Since   I   wrote   you   pr.  Cap4.  Wyllys,  we   have  been 

much  distress?  four  days  without  Meat  in  our  Brigade  &  Six  in  some 

others,  &  by  the  Prospect  before  us,  it  is  only  a  Prelude  to  greater 

*  This  proposition  was  submitted  to  Washington,  who  referred  it  to  Congress, 
not  thinking  himself  authorized  to  take  any  steps  without  their  orders.  He  thought 
it  was  more  reasonable  than  any  heretofore  offered  by  the  enemy,  and  might  be 
improved  into  an  agreement  that  would  give  the  desired  relief.  See  his  letter  to 
Congress,  4  January,  1780,  in  Writings  of  Washington,  viii,  152.  On  January  13 
Congress  renewed  the  full  powers  for  exchanging  prisoners  with  which  he  had 
been  invested  by  its  resolution  of  5  March,  1779,  and  Washington  intimated  to 
Colonel  Magaw  his  readiness  to  appoint  commissioners. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  241 

Sufferings  as  the  Provisions  rec<?  Yesterday  by  the  CommY  will  afford 
not  quite  two  days'  Allowance  to  the  Army,  &  no  other  Beef  within 
Reach,  unless  we  make  a  Seizure  on  the  Property  of  the  Inhabitants 
— which  is  very  disagreeable  to  our  Worthy  Gen1.  — Our  men  bear  it 
with  that  fortitude  which  becomes  the  Christian  &  freeman — tho  I 
am  fearful,  their  resolution  will  not  be  Competent  to  the  task,  should 
the  Evil  remain  long — Yesterday  we  drew  114  Coats  117  Vests,  1* 
breeches,  52  Shirts,  52  Hatts,  and  52  Stockings,  which  are  to  be 
delivered  to  Men  inlisted  during  the  War — the  Supply  is  too  small  to 
do  them  Justice  &  you  must  think  the  others  are  not  without  their 
Wants.  I  wish  the  State  would  furnish  some  Overhalls,  Shoes,  Shirts, 
Stockings  &  Vests  as  we  much  want  them — If  the  State  expect  to 
reinlist  any  of  their  troops,  it  is  highly  necessary  that  the  Encourage- 
ment be  fixt  on  soon,  &  that  a  proper  Supply  of  Cloathing  &  Re- 
freshments be  forwarded ;  I  believe  it  will  be  in  my  power  to  recruit 
the  Reg1,  if  the  Depreciation  is  soon  made  good,  familys  at  home 
supplied,  &  a  bounty  of  3  or  4  Hundred  dollars  given, — untill  then 
it  is  in  vain  to  attempt  it — We  have  nothing  new  in  this  part  of  the 
World,  except  a  Report  that  Pensacola  is^  taken — but  as  yet  it  is  not 
Confirm?  — I  wrote  a  tantalizing  letter  to  Sally  &  Hetty  inclos"?  in 
your  last  about  our  Assemblys — to  add  let  me  tell  you  that  we  ex- 
pect to  open  them  the  first  of  Feby  or  the  3d,  which  is  the  Anni- 
versary of  the  Grand  Alliance. 

My  Compliments  &c  to  the  Circle,  &  Permit  me  to  subscribe  my- 
self—  Yours  Sincerely 

Ebenezer  Huntington. 


FROM  AARON   BURR. 

[Raritan,]  4th  January,  1780. 
Dear  Sam  : 

I  intended  myself  the  Pleasure  of  delivering  the  enclosed  letters — 
the  Weather  and  fatigues  of  my  journey,  must  apologize  to  Miss 
Webb,  to  whom  you  will  please  to  make  my  best  respects.  To  you, 
no  apology  is  due,  unless  the  one  which  used  to  serve  you  last  sum- 
mer when  you  were  so  often  near  me  without  calling,  "  full  of  Busi- 
ness." 

As  I  do  not  hear  that  you  will  yet  acknowledge  yourself  the  slave 


242         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

of  Hymen,  I  am  silent  on  that  subject,  tho'  I  might,  with  propriety, 
congratulate  you  on  the  bliss  you  expect,  were  it  yet  merely  in  pros- 
pect ;  for  if  fame  does  not  lie  more  arrantly  than  she  ever  did,  you 
have  a  certainty  of  twice  as  much  happiness  as  you  can  ever  deserve. 
May  the  Lord  in  infinite  Mercy  (to  her)  mend  and  reform  you,  &  if 
possible  (which  I  much  fear)  mak*e  you  worthy  the  hand  and  heart 
of  Miss  B[ancker],  is  the  sincere  prayer  of  A.  Burr. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Morris  Town,  22d  Jany,  1780. 
Dear  Webb  s 

By  my  friend  Wadsworth,  I  shall  just  say  that  two  days  since  I  moved 
into  a  Hutt,  not  my  own,  for  that  is  not  built,  but  into  Capt  Walker's 
Hutt,  that  I  may  be  near  to  drive  on  my  own — Was  I  to  undertake 
to  tell  news  I  should  Hobble  myself — for  we  have  none — forgive  me 
— Genl  Arnold's  tryal  will  be  Compleated  in  two  days,  as  he  hath 
given  in  his  defense  and  a  very  Spirited  one — the  Court  are  forming 
their  Judgment  and  it  is  expected  that  he  will  be  acquitted  with 
Honour.  Jos :  Reed  attended  the  tryal  &  made  a  very  Elegant 
Speech  to  the  Court  * — Col  Beatty  is  to  be  the  Subject  of  a  C.  Mar- 
tial (the  Judge  Advocate  informs  me)  for  getting  Cloth  for  a  Wo- 
mans  Cloak  from  N.  York,  which  the  Genl  has  some  time  since  for- 
bid in  his  Orders.  I  do  not  know  enough  of  the  Matter  to  say  more 
— My  friend  Wadsworth  can  say  more  to  you  about  the  Reduction 
of  Regiments  than  I  know,  as  he  is  but  three  days  from  the  Fountain 
of  Knowledge.  I  have  sent  a  line  to  him  to  drive  with  me  this  day, 
I  wish  he  may  Come,  but  have  not  rec?  an  Answer.  As  the  Month 
of  Feby  is  at  hand  I  must  expect  you  soon,  unless  you  will  Permit 
me  to  expect  a  little  from  your  Promise  of  Coming  or  less,  than  from 
your  Promise  of  Writing — For  I  Assure  you  I  expected  Several  Let- 
ters before  this  time,  but  have  received  only  one,  which  I  have  an- 
swered by  five  or  Six,  indeed  that  one  from  you,  is  the  only  one  I 
have  rec?  from  Connecticutt  since  I  left  it,  &  I  expect  it  will  be  the 
Last — As  to  the  Statten  Island  Frolick  &  the  Starving  the  Army,  ask 
Wadsworth — I  can  assure  you  I  am  very  Sorry  that  I  was  one  of  the 
Party — The  Weather  for  four  Weeks  past,  has  been  Severer  than 

*  Arnold,  Life  of  Benedict  Arnold,  237. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  243 

ever  was  known  here  for  so  long  a  time — It  is  necessary  that  you 
send,  or  rather  bring  on  all  your  Accounts  of  Clothing  Issued  in  '77 
or  8,  as  Mr.  [Nathan]  Beers  expects  to  Close  all  Clothing  Acct*  with 
the  Auditors  soon,  it  is  really  a  Matter  of  Consequence,  as  well  as 
Settling  the  Recruiting  Accounts.  I  am  fearful  you  do  not  suf- 
ficiently dread  the  delay. 

Make  my  Compliments  &c  to  Miss  Webb,  Hetty,  Abby  &c,  &  to 
the  Family  at  the  Mansion. 

A  Letter  about  Nothing.     God  bless  you.     Adieu. 

Ebenezer  Huntington. 

I  hardly  dare  mention  it,  but  it  is  true 

Command*  of  the  Brigade.* 

By  all  means  bring  on  a  Pair  of  Files  as  we  have  a  Gentleman  in 
the  Brigade  who  pushes  elegantly  &  will  teach  me  with  Pleasure. 
Remember. 

23d.  When  I  had  finish?  my  letter  Yesterday,  I  was  waiting  to  see 
Col?  Wadsworth  before  I  closed  it,  but  instead  of  that  Pleasure  I  rec? 
a  line  from  him,  that  he  was  that  Instant  setting  off  for  Hartford.  I 
was  grievously  disappointed,  but  put  up  with  it  with  all  the  fortitude 
a  Chagrin?  Man  could  do. 

23d,  12  oClock  at  Night.  I  now  expect  to  forward  this  by  Major 
Woodbridge,  who  was  so  polite  as  to  Call  on  me  this  Even?  &  inform 
he  shall  set  out  next  Tuesday — should  anything  occur  I  shall  make 
an  addition  to  Morrow — I  wish  you  to  tell  friend  Jos.  a  line  from 
him  would  be  agreeable,  as  I  am  fearful  his  Unwillingness  to  oifend 
me  is  the  reason  he  hath  not  wrote  before.     Very  Sleepy,  Adieu. 

3  oClock.  25^.  This  moment  I  receive  orders  to  go  on  Com- 
mand, I  suppose  to  [Staten?]  Island  again,  but  know  not — Two 
Twelves  &  Eight  Sixs  march?  off  with  the  detachment,  I  shall  over- 
take them  before  I  sleep  you  may  depend  on  it. 


PLATT  TO   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Sunday  Afternoon,  30  January,  1 780. 
Mr.  Piatt's  Compliments  wait  on  Mr.  Webb — he  is  informed  by  a 
line  rec?  from  Gen1.  Parsons  last  evening,  that  the  Committee  at  the 

*A  blind  reference  to  which  I  can  give  no  explanation. 


244         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

School  House,  request  his  attendance  there  on  monday,  2  oClock,  to 
give  them  some  information  respecting  the  prices  of  goods  &c  &c — 
He  is  sensible  he  can  be  of  very  little  service  [to]  them,  as  it  will 
not  be  in  his  power  to  afford  them  much  information  on  that  head ; 
but  willing  to  gratify  them,  by  complying  with  their  request,  &  to 
show  every  mark  of  respect,  in  giving  them  what  little  information 
he  can,  has  agreed  to  meet  them — He  is  sorry  the  consequence  will 
be,  the  treating  his  friends  with  a  degree  of  impoliteness  he  would 
wish  to  have  avoided ;  as  it  will  necessarily  deprive  him  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  them  Tomorrow  as  he  proposed — He  hopes,  on  this  occa- 
sion Mr.  Webb  will  excuse  him,  &  apologize  to  his  brothers  &  M* 
Deane — He  assures  them,  that  had  he  not  considered  them,  as  those 
of  his  friends,  who  he  was  certain  would  readily  give  him  that  addi- 
tional proof  of  friendship,  by  pardoning  a  freedom  of  this  kind — The 
call  of  the  Committee  should  not  have  been  heard  at  present — M* 
Piatt  hopes  however  to  have  the  favor  of  Mr.  Webbs  &  the  other 
Gentlemen's  company  at  dinner  Tuesday  next. 


FROM    CAPTAIN   WALKER. 

Hartford,  6th  Feby  ,  1780. 
Dear  Sir  : 

By  way  of  apology  for  not  writing  you  before  which  I  should  have 
done,  had  I  not  been  inform*?  you  was  on  a  Tour  of  Pleasure  at  Bos- 
ton, therefore  thought  you  would  not  get  my  letter  very  soon — 
should  have  wrote  by  the  last  Post  had  I  known  of  your  being  at 
Home.  However,  let  what  I  have  now  wrote  &  my  embracing  the 
earlyest  opportunity  serve  to  convince  you  it  was  not  for  want  of 
attention. 

I  left  the  Reg*  the  21st  day  of  last  Month  and  am  happy  to  say  in 
much  better  circumstances  at  that  time;  than  they  had  been  for 
weeks  before,  our  situation  in  regard  to  Provision,  was  such  as  I 
never  wish  to  see  again,  short  Commons  ever  ought  to  be  avoided  & 
when  it  cannot,  the  consequences  are  to  be  dreaded  in  an  Army ; 
that  you  well  know — however  I  can  with  pleasure  inform  you  (and 
what  I  think  will  give  you  no  small  satisfaction)  that  the  Lads  bore 
it  with  the  greatest  patience  &  fortitude. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  245 

We  considered  the  severity  of  the  season,  the  difficulty  of  trans- 
portation, and  were  willing  to  make  all  allowance  possible. 

My  Good  Friend,  it  required  allmost  the  wisdom  of  Solomon  to 
conduct  at  these  times  &  the  Virtue  of  the  Angel  Gabriel  to  sur- 
mount the  difficulties,  which  to  appearance,  come  upon  us  as  it  were 
in  a  Moment. 

After  our  long  March  you  may  well  think  our  Men  were  rather 
destitute  of  cloathing — after  our  arrival  we  begun  &  completed  our 
Hutts  which  destroyed  our  cloathing  still  more,  &  to  my  certain 
knowledge  we  had  not  more  than  Fifty  Men  in  the  Reg*  return"?  fit 
for  duty,  all  for  the  want  of  Cloathing,  many  a  good  Lad  with  noth- 
ing to  cover  him  from  his  hips  to  his  Toes  save  his  Blancket,  some 
wanting  one  thing  &  some  another,  but  the  most  general  complaint 
was  shoes.  Once  we  did  not  experience  these  hardships  though  we 
had  greater  reason  to  expect  them  than  at  this  time,  when  the  Pub- 
lick  were  convinced  for  three  years  past  they  had  an  Army  depend- 
ing upon  them  for  subsistence. 

As  to  Provision  before  I  left  them  they  had  a  full  supply  for  the 
present  &  cloathing  they  receive  some,  though  inadequate  to  their 
wants.  In  short  my  good  Friend  our  sufferings  were  such  as  I  did 
not  expect  at  this  day,  &  such  as  is  past  my  Art  with  Pen,  Ink  & 
Paper  to  describe  or  even  give  you  an  Idea  of  our  feelings  upon  the 
occasion.* 

Am  inform  you  set  out  for  Head  Quarters  soon,  hope  you  will 
take  Stratford  in  on  your  way  that  I  may  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
you  &  spending  a  little  more  time  in  chat  upon  matters  &  things. 
I  hear  an  exchange  is  like  to  take  place  which  is  my  most  earnest 
wish  should  be  effected  that  I  may  once  more  have  the  happiness 
of  seeing  you  at  the  Head  of  your  Reg1,  where  you  have  been  long 
expected  &  much  wish<?  for. 

The  Family  join  with  me  in  their  best  wishes  for  your  health  & 

♦In  October,  1779,  Washington  described  clothing  as  a  "superior  temptation" 
to  recruits,  and  the  supplies  were  inadequate.  Late  in  January  he  wrote  "  With 
respect  to  provision,  the  situation  of  the  army  is  comfortable  at  present  on  this 
head,  and  I  ardently  pray,  that  it  may  never  be  again  as  it  has  been  of  late.  We 
were  reduced  to  a  most  painful  and  delicate  extremity."  Writings  of  Washing- 
ton, VIII,  183.  The  patience  of  the  army  had  been  sorely  tried,  and  at  one  time 
the  soldiers  ate  every  kind  of  horse  feed  but  hay. 


246        COKNESrONDKNCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


happyness  <\r  respects  to  your  Brothers  &  Sisters — make  my  Com- 
plimentB  to  the  good  People  at  Col.  Chester's  &  excuse  this  scrawle 
coming  from  one  who  remains  with  esteem 

Your  Friend  &  Huml?  Serv1. 

J.  Walker. 


FROM    SAMUEL  ALLEYNE  OTIS. 

Boston,  nth  Feby  '8o. 
Dr.  Sir  i 

1  promised  you  should  hear  from  me  again  soon,  and  indeed  if 
you  have  half  the  pleasure  in  reading  that  I  have  in  writing,  you  will 
not  be  offended. 

Your  misfortune  in  falling  through  the  ice  was  greater  than  your 
loss  of  reputation  as  a  steady  young  man,  greater  than  you  suffered 
in  health  by  drinking  good  wine,  and  even  exceeded  in  any  incon- 
venience from  that  "Busy  dog  Cupid."  Indeed  falling  into  the 
water  will  as  well  cool  one's  courage  this  extended  season  as  the 
lover's  leap  over  a  90  foot  precipice.  I  don't  say  the  acre  [ache?] 
would  be  as  permanent.  1  however  did  [del?]  your  message  faith- 
hilly.  1  drank  tea  with  B y,  1) s.  I  do  assure  you  that  the  re- 
membrance was  acceptable — a  blush  suffused  itself  over  that  lovely 
lace,  &  the  lire  oi  Heaven  is  hardly  more  dazzling  than  her  Eyes. 

The  other  object  of  your  particular  attentions  J y,  K x 

received  with  a  different  smile  the  favourable  mention  of  her  by  Col- 
onel Webb,  "  Impossible  he  should  think  of  me.  It  must  be  my 
sister" — with  a  hesitation  as  if  she  feared  I  shouldn't  recollect  my 
mistake.  I  wish  these  were  all  the  impressions  you  have  given  or 
received. 

Allans  at  Ten  Hills  are  in  a  sad  train  and  your  friend  must  Pink 
Morris,*  suffocate  himself  with  the  smell  of  tar  or  twist  a  strand  or 
two  of  tar  and  hang  himself.  Lucky  for  me,  however,  if  I  can  transfer 
mv  affections  &  sip  the  sweets  from  flowers  promiscuously,  or  if  you 
please  can  buw  like  the  diligent  bee  from  Pink  to  Rose  and  anon  to 
the  violet,  though  could  I  meet  with  a  real  honeysuckle,  I  could 
draw  the  sweets  for  life.  A  sly  fox  this  Morris  and  an  old  soldier, 
tvi  whilst  I  thought  he  was  manceuvreing  on  the  banks  of  the  N. 

*  L.  R.  Mom*.    The  Temples  lived  »t  Ten  Hills. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  247 

River  or  the  Dee,  he  carried  on  his  operations  on  Charles  River. 
God  bless  her,  I  believe  she  is  a  good  girl,  but  am  not  sufficiently- 
acquainted  to  know  her  merits  personally.  I  shall  never  love  her 
less  for  being  Morris,  Mrs.  Webb  or  any  other  mistress. 

I  must  repeat  my  acknowledgements  to  you  and  the  Captain  for 
you  kind  invitations.  If  I  come  into  the  vicinity  of  your  mansion 
or  quarters,  some  very  uncommon  circumstances  must  occur  to  pre- 
vent my  calling  upon  you  the  first  in  my  list. 

We  had  the  most  brilliant  assembly  last  evening  that  has  been 
known  for  many  years ;  Such  a  blaze  of  beauty  almost  overpowered 
the  senses.  Poor  little  Innocents — not  a  soul  of  them  put  on  their 
holiday  countenance  to  harm  any  one,  not  a  soul  of  them,  and  now 
they  dress,  but  only  look  pretty  because  'tis  fashionable,  but  eno'  of 
the  little  villains.  They  are  as  much  plague  as  profit  nine  times  in 
ten. 

I  suppose  you  are  preparing  for  head  quarters.  May  you  find 
things  agreeable,  and  with  compliments  to  all  friends, 

Subscribe, 

Your  humble  Serv* 

Sam^  A.  Otis.* 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Morris  Town,  i6*h  Feby,  1780. 
Dear  Webb  : 

Your  fav*  of  the  3*?  Instant  with  two  Inclosed  came  safe  to  hand — 
am  happy  to  hear  that  so  many  of  mine  went  safe  to  you,  tho'  am 
certain  that  there  are  several  which  have  not  been  acknowledged — 
the  letters  which  were  enclosed  to  me  I  put  under  Cover,  &  sent 
them  by  a  trusty  Serg.  who  return?  yesterday  with  all  of  them  under 
Cover  of  one  from  M?5  Bancker  to  Miss  Bancker  &  them  under  Cover 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  258. 

Samuel  Alleyne  Otis  was  a  brother  of  the  famous  orator,  James  Otis.  In 
1778,  he  was  a  deputy  clothier-general  under  the  Continental  Congress,  and  alsa 
a  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Board  of  War.  He  assisted  in  the  convention  of 
1780,  that  framed  the  constitution  for  the  State,  and  in  1784  was  made  speaker  of 
the  House  of  Representatives.  He  is  best  known  as  the  first  Secretary  of  the 
United  States  Senate — dying  in  Washington  in  1814. 


248         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

to  me.  I  shall  forward  the  same  to  Morrow  to  Mr.  Lott  for  Miss 
Bancker,  where  she  is  at  Present  on  a  Visit,  as  appears  by  the  Super- 
scription. 

In  Expectation  of  your  being  here  soon,  this  will  be  my  last,  & 
from  your  known  Punctuality  am  doubtful  whether  this  will  find  you 
on  the  Road  or  at  Wethersfield,  but  be  that  as  it  may,  will  figure  a 
line  or  two,  &  thank  you  for  your  long  friendly  Letter  just  acknow- 
ledged, and  note  it  by  Paragraph  as  I  have  it  before  me.  The 
Cloathing  you  mention  I  was  Oblig4  to  draw  to  cover  the  Nakedness 
of  our  poor  distressed  Lads. — As  to  the  recruiting  of  the  Lads  it  is 
almost  impossible,  as  the  money  is  good  for  little  or  nothing  in  this 
part  of  the  World,  much  less  than  when  we  came  here,  &  from  that, 
they  judge  it  will  soon,  very  soon  be  good  for  Nothing.  If  the  As- 
sembly &  Committee  work  Spiritedly  &  Speedily  am  in  hopes  to  de- 
tain some  of  those  good  Lads,  whom  I  believe  to  be  the  best  men 
in  the  World,  but  it  is  their  speedy  &  Liberal  Measures  only,  that 
can  do  us  any  good  in  Recruiting. — As  to  the  Gen!  Exchange  I 
wrote  you  some  time  since,  that  it  was  on  the  Tapis,  but  at  Present 
known  no  more — So  it  appears  by  your  letter  that  your  little  Parties 
of  two  &  three  are  to  be  Called  Dances,  am  very  sorry  that  Sally  & 
Hetty  should  be  so  taken  up  with  the  thoughts  of  a  Dance,  as  to  be- 
lieve themselves  in  one,  because  they  have  three  dancers  &  zfidler — 
think  of  the  Assembly  list  130  Subscribers  &  165  Ladies  on  the  List 
— The  first  bill  is  12,000  N.  Jersey — thus  much  for  the  Assemblies. 

My  Hutt — Ah  my  Hutt — it  is  building  &  will  be  till  nearly  the  first 
of  next  Month,  then  Sir  I  expect  to  open  the  Doors  &  welcome  every 
Guest  that  Comes  with  Stores,  doubly  to  pay  what  he  Eats  &  drinks 
while  with  me —  1  expect  to  have  about  a  Dozen  fine  Girls  to  drink 
tea  with  me  the  first  Afternoon.  I  think  friend  Webb  you  are  very 
fortunate,  I  believe  you  to  be  the  only  Man  in  Weth?  who  is  not,  & 
hath  not  been  for  a  long  time  froze —  Pen  &  Ink  also —  It  must 
have  been  d-d  Cold  Weather  in  Connecticut  to  freeze  every  thing  so 
Close  even  the  Mills  of  the  Houses,  which  used  to  go  best  in  Cold 
Weather.  I  must  suppose,  that  the  reasons  of  the  Mills  freezing  is 
want  of  use.  A  Man  who  goes  to  Mill  as  often  as  the  wants  of  the 
family  require,  will  always  find  the  Stores  in  Order,  &  the  Sluice  suf- 
ficiently open  for  Grinding —  It  makes  me  feel  unhappy  for  those 
who  get  no  Grist  this  Wether — but  knowing  your  friendly  disposi- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  249 

tion,  I  think  you  will  endeavour  to  remove  their  Complaints,  if  they 
make  any —  When  you  come  to  Camp,  do  you'  bring  a  letter  from 
each  &  Every  of  my  Weth<?  friends,  Girls  6°  Women  not  Excepted. 
I  wish  to  give  my  love  to  the  Dancing  Circle  &  others  with  you  & 
believe  me  to  be — 

Yours  Sincerely, 

Eben  Huntington. 
P.  S.     Money  nor  Promises  will  reinlist  the  Band. 


FROM    HIS   OFFICERS   ON   LONG  ISLAND. 

Flat  Bush,  24  February,  1780. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

We  have  yours  of  the  14*  Inst,  before  us,  are  happy  to  hear  once 
more  from  our  friends.  The  Officers  Prisoners  from  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  have  applied  for  permission  for  two  Gent?  to  go  out  on 
Parole  in  order  to  procure  supplies.  But  no  indulgence  of  that  na- 
ture will  be  granted,  therefore  we  have  to  beg  you  will  endeavour  to 
send  us  such  necessary  articles,  as  we  may  want,  &  shall  procure 
permission  for  [them]  from  the  Commanding  Officers  in  New  York 
to  be  sent  us,  which  we  shall  send  you  when  ever  obtain'd.  We 
expect  this  will  find  you  in  the  Jerseys,  where  the  Commissioners  are 
to  meet  in  order  to  settle  the  Exchange.  God  grant  that  they  may 
succeed.  The  permission  we'll  endeavour  to  send  by  Gen.  Silliman, 
who  we  are  told  is  to  be  exchang'd.  Riley  &  Hopkins  has  plenty  of 
"the  Old  Virtue "  left  yet.  Your  requests  are  complyed  with  re- 
specting the  Horses. 

We  are,  Dear  Col?  ,  with  the  highest  sentiments  of  regard  your 
unfortunate  Officers  Edw?  Bulkley 

Elisha  Hopkins 
John  Riley 


FROM   JONATHAN  WILLIAMS. 

Boston,  Feby  24,  1780. 
DR  Webb: 

Inclosed  is  a  Letter  for  Gen!  Washington,  the  Case  of  Wine,  which 
I  hope  was  taken  particular  Care  off,  went  according  to  your  direc- 
tions.    I  leave  it  to  you  to  acquaint  Gen!  Washington  the  mode  of 


250        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

my  sending  it,  I  am  sure  you  will  make  the  best  off  it  &  lay  me 
under  many  Obligations  which  I  already  anticipate. 

This  Letter  has  been  wrote  for  some  time  but  I  knew  not  till  to- 
day that  it  was  sent  on. 

Appropos  Sampson  in  the  Packet  is  arrived  at  the  vineyard  he 
brings  this  Story,  that  Ireland  under  pretence  of  opposing  an  Inva- 
sion from  France  &  Spain,  requested  a  Supply  of  arms  &  which  they 
got  to  the  amount  of  40,000  &  then  remonstrated,  prayed  for  a  Re- 
dress of  Grievances,  &  asserted  their  Rights  to  a  free  Commerce, 
with  a  hint  that  if  this  was  not  allowed  them,  they  would  redress 
themselves.* 

That  Sir  Joseph  Yorke  had  left  the  Hague  in  a  Hurry,  and  that 
the  Parliament  were  assembled  in  a  Hubbub. 

I  wrote  this  in  a  hurry,  however  I  will  write  with  more  leisure  an- 
other time  if  you  will  adopt  me  a  Correspondent.  I  want  to  com- 
mence an  Intercourse  with  one  that  can  from  his  Situation  be  able 
to  inform  me,  &  all  the  News  that  is  interesting  to  you  here  you  shall 
be  supplied  with  in  a  homespun  Dress  If  you  approve  the  Choice 
I  have  made  for  a  Correspondent. 

I  am  your  most  Obdt  Serv1. 

Jon.  Williams,  f 


FROM   CAPTAIN  WALKER. 

Stratford,  Feby  27th,  1780. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Knowing  your  anxiety  for  the  welfare  of  your  Reg*  ,  &  your  great 
desire  for  having  it  Recruited ;  induces  me  at  this  time  to  offer  you 
my  sentiments  upon  the  Subject :  as  I  am  inform?  you  expect  to  go 
on  to  Head  Quarters  this  week,  &  my  business  being  such  as  will 
unhappily  prevent  me  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  this  Place. 

The  prospects  of  recruiting  in  the  Country  as  well  as  with  the 
Army  you  must  be  sensible  are  very  dull  at  present,  though  I  am 
confident  there  are  a  great  many  Recruits  may  be  got  among  those 

♦Lecky,  England  in  the  Eighteenth  Century,  iv,  491. 

t  Jonathan  Williams  married  Grace  Harris,  a  niece  of  Benjamin  Franklin.  His 
son,  also  named  Jonathan  Williams,  was  a  commercial  agent  in  France  of  the 
Continental  Congress. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  251 

whose  time  of  service  has  expired  this  Winter,  and  others,  especially 
these  State  Regiments  that  are  now  raising  to  send  down  to  the  Line, 
if  proper  encouragements  are  offer?  &  pains  taken. 

I  heard  Geni  Parsons  propose  a  plan  &  such  as  I  believe  he  means 
to  adopt  in  his  Brigade,  on  his  return  to  the  Army — That  was,  to 
send  into  this  State  a  Number  of  likely  Serjeants  &  some  Musick 
under  the  care  of  some  officers  &  let  them  go  from  Town  to  Town 
also  among  the  State  Troops  &  beat  up  for  Recruits.  You  must  be 
sensible  that  there  are  numbers  of  Men  now  only  waiting  to  know 
what  is  done  for  the  Army  &  what  Bounty  is  given,  to  encourage 
them  to  enlist 

Our  Regt  is  on  as  good  footing  as  any  now  in  the  service  from 
this  State,  &  I  think  might  stand  a  good  chance  to  recruit  would  the 
officers  exert  themselves.* 

All  this  I  offer  on  the  strength  of  your  being  exchanged,  which  I 
suppose  is  allmost  a  certainty  &  be  assured  is  the  most  earnest  wish 
of  your  sincere  Friend  &  Humbl?  Servt. 

J.  Walker. 

N.  B.  Excuse  the  above  scrawl  as  it  was  written  in  great  haste. 


FROM   MAJOR  TALLMADGE. 

Wethersfield,  March  6,  1780. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Just  about  the  time  of  your  departure  from  this  place  our  Com- 
mittee were  obliged  to  memorialize  the  Assembly  on  the  subject  of 
recognizing  the  general  and  staff  officers  belonging  to  this  State  as 
part  of  the  Conn.  Line.  In  consequence  of  this  Wadsworth,  of  the 
Assembly  Committee,  and  [Heman]  Swift,  Smith  and  myself  were 
called  before  the  House.  This  afforded  the  very  opportunity  which 
I  long  wished  for  of  exposing  the  Jesuitical  conduct  of  a  man  who 
had  rendered  himself  odious  in  the  eyes  of  every  honest  man.  After 
answering  the  questions  proposed  by  the  House  we  had  the  oppor- 

*  Webb's  regiment  was  thus  reported  on: — "This  Regt  is  well  kept  &  Disci- 
plined; their  Arms  &  Accoutrements  were  this  inspection  the  Cleanest  of  the  Di- 
vision ;  their  Cloathing  is  in  good  order. 

"  The  above  is  a  true  state  of  the  Regt  as  inspected  by  me  March  2nd,  1780. 

"  P.  Regnier,  Sub  Inspector." 


252         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

tunity  of  laying  before  the  House  sundry  letters  signed  by  General 
W h  in  behalf  of  the  Committee,  which  being  designed  for  an- 
swers to  questions  of  moment  proposed  by  your  Committee,  we  were 
not  able  to  find  any  meaning  or  honest  principle  in  them,  and  of 
course  (to  the  great  disappointment  of  a  certain  person)  we  laid  them 
before  the  Assembly  as  a  sample  of  candour  with  which,  under  the 
auspices  of  W h,  the  settlement  was  like  to  be  conducted.  Un- 
fortunately, the  Assembly  were  as  much  puzzled  to  explain  the  let- 
ters as  our  committee.  In  the  pause  of  our  observations  before  the 
House,  Mr.  W h  was  handled  sometimes  without  mittens.  In- 
deed, the  House,  I  believe,  suggested  that  his  objections  to  our  pro- 
ceedings were  rather  captious  than  otherwise.  I  have  not  seen  their 
last  resolution  in  consequence  of  our  application,  but  I  am  told  they 

have  taken  all  the  staff  officers  into  the  Con 1  Line  and  excluded 

the  general  officers.  This  appears  to  be  an  odious  distinction,  but  I 
am  convinced  the  Generals  will  do  better  with  the  Continent  than 
this  State.     I  hope  we  have  now  got  almost  over  embarrassments. 

Since  you  left  us  we  had  an  agreeable  hop  at  Mr.  Lockwood's.  A 
choice  collection  of  ladies  attended.  As  usual,  the  number  was 
rather  too  great. 

We  have  no  news  of  moment  from  the  Eastward.  Our  Assembly 
rose  last  Thursday.  If  I  should  attempt  to  tell  you  what  business 
they  had  done,  I  should  be  as  long  in  telling  you  what  they  needed; 
as  they  repealed  almost  the  whole  acts  of  the  session.  When  you 
reflect  that  every  paragraph  of  a  bill  can  be  debated  and  passed  the 
House,  and  then  the  whole  be  negatived,  I  need  not  enter  into  a 
more  particular  description  of  their  proceedings.  I  am  told  they  have 
determined  to  make  good  the  ;£io  notes  issued  in  '77.  Of  this  you 
may  take  advantage,  and  I  wish  you  would  purchase  as  many  as  you 
can  find  in  your  travels  for  yourself  and  me.  Some  of  them  have 
doubtless  been  carried  into  N.  Jersey,  and  the  possessors  would  be 
glad  to  get  rid  of  them. 

Make  my  compliments  to  General  Greene,  Colonel  Huntington 
and  friends,  and  be  assured  that  I  am 

Yours  Sincerely 

Benj  Tallmadge.* 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  294. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  253 

TO    MAJOR-GENERAL   ST.  CLAIR,  AND   LIEUTENANT- 
COLONELS    EDWARD    CARRINGTON   AND 
ALEXANDER   HAMILTON. 
INSTRUCTIONS. 

Gentlemen  : 

The  powers  herewith  authorize  you  to  proceed  to  Amboy  on 
Thursday  the  9th  instant,  to  meet  commissioners  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy,  for  the  purpose  of  settling  a  General  Cartel.  You  will  per- 
ceive what  has  been  already  done  in  this  business  by  the  papers 
accompanying  this.  *  *  *  The  only  instructions  I  have  to  give 
you  are  these,  that  you  transact  nothing  under  your  commission  but 
upon  principles  of  perfect  equality  and  on  a  national  ground.  If 
the  enemy  will  not  treat  with  you  on  this  footing,  you  will  put  an 
end  to  the  negotiation.  But  after  your  official  business  is  over,  I 
wish  you  in  private  conversation  to  enter  into  a  discussion  of  the 
proposals,  so  as  to  remove  any  difficulties  they  contain,  and  prepare 
the  way  for  some  future  particular  agreement,  which  may  give  relief 
to  our  officers  and  men  in  captivity. 

If  you  enter  into  a  general  Cartel,  you  must  of  necessity  include 
the  southern  prisoners ;  but,  if  you  are  obliged  to  confine  yourselves 
to  what  I  now  recommend,  you  will  avoid  including  them.  The 
proposals  appear  to  me  generally  liberal,  though  in  come  respects 
exceptionable.  The  tariff,  however,  is  moderate  enough.  Having 
entire  confidence  in  your  judgment  and  discretion,  I  think  it  un- 
necessary to  enter  into  a  detail  of  the  exceptionable  parts ;  per- 
suaded that  they  will  readily  occur  to  you,  and  that  you  will  take 
proper  steps  to  have  them  amended.  The  settlement  of  accounts  is 
a  point  of  importance  and  difficulty.  As  the  matter  now  stands,  I 
am  unable  to  give  you  any  explicit  directions  on  the  subject.  If 
you  are  like  to  enter  into  a  general  Cartel,  you  will  immediately  ad- 
vise me,  and  I  will  obtain  further  instructions  from  Congress.  If 
this  is  not  the  case,  you  will  hardly  be  able  to  draw  any  engagements 
from  the  enemy  on  this  head,  and  you  will  perceive  this  point  is  not 
to  be  made  a  preliminary  nor  ultimatum.  You  will  do  the  best  you 
can,  endeavoring  by  all  means  to  engage  The  British  Commissioners 
to  advance  a  sufficient  sum  of  money  to  pay  the  debts  of  our  officers 
for  board  and  the  like,  and  enable  them  to  leave  their  captivity. 
You  will  communicate  to  me  from  time  to  time  any  matters  you  may 


254         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

desire   my   advice   upon,  and  it   shall   chearfully  be   afforded.     I 
sincerely  wish  you  a  successful  and  honorable  issue  to  your  commis- 
sion. G?  Washington. 
Given  at  Head  Quarters. 

Morristown,  8  March,  1780.* 


FROM   COLONEL  BEATTY. 

Westfield,  [March,  1 780] . 
My  dear  Sir  : 

I  am  thus  far  on  my  Road  from  Morristown  to  Amboy  where 
Commissioners  are  met  on  the  Business  of  Exchange — an  opertunity 
presenting  to  Danbury,  I  send  this  to  Maj1:  Stagg's  care  &  flatter 
myself  it  will  reach  you  tho  perhaps  late.  As  you  are  party  con- 
cerned, I  think  it  necessary  to  inform  you  that  yesterday  Maj1:  Gen'l 
Philips,  Lt.  Col?  Gorden  &  Norton  of  the  Guards,  on  the  part  of  the 
British,  &  Maj*  Gen'l  St.  Clair,  Lt.  Col?  Carrington  of  the  Artillery, 
&  Col?  Hamilton  of  the  General's  Family  on  the  part  of  these  States, 
met  at  Amboy  to  attempt  once  more  the  effecting  a  cartel,  for  a 
general  Exchange  of  Prisoners — Each  party  appear  sanguine  in  their 
expectations  on  this  subject;  but  so  frequent  disapointments  has 
learned  me  to  doubt  everything — the  propositions  are  indeed  new  & 
bordering  nearer  to  principles  of  equity  &  mutual  advantage,  &  I 
confess  I  should  be  ready  to  believe  they  would  be  established  ;  were 
not  a  liquidation  of  accounts  to  be  confounded  with  their  Negotia- 
tions &  which  I  fear  will  marr  the  whole  ;  as  you  may  rest  satisfied 
the  Enemy  will  carefully  avoid  a  settlement  of  ace1.3  which  in  their 
consequences  must  involve  them  in  a  heavy  debt  &  the  transfer  of  a 
large  sum  of  money.  Were  not  this  the  case,  I  should  flatter  myself 
with  announcing  shortly  to  you,  an  ace4,  of  your  Exchange — but  I  go 
down  diffident  &  wish  I  may  return  believing — 

My  pen  is  so  intolerably  bad,  that  I  am  obliged  to  break  off— & 
have  only  to  entreat  you  will  present  my  Comp5.  to  your  Brother's 

*  The  Commissioners  met  at  Amboy,  and  from  the  beginning  found  themselves 
blocked  by  the  defective  powers  of  the  British  representatives,  who  could  only 
pledge  the  private  faith  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  A  cartel,  to  be  of  permanent 
operation,  should  rest  upon  national  authority  and  national  faith;  but  this  founda- 
tion could  not  be  given  by  the  British,  and  the  meeting  became  a  mere  informal 
conference. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  255 

good  Family  &  others  my  friends  in  Weathersfield — I  beg  you  may 
write  me  &  Expect  a  line  upon  our  breaking  up — 
I  am  with  great  Esteem 

Dr  Sir  Yours  sincerely 

Jn?  Beatty.* 


FROM   WILLIAM   ERSKINE. 

» 

Philad^  ,  March  25,  1780. 
Dear  Webb: 

Had  there  been  any  half  hour  since  I  came,  that  I  could  safely 
say  I  was  sober,  I  do  assure  you  I  would  have  appropriated  that 
time  to  you,  but  so  far  from  that,  that  the  fumes  of  the  past  Evening 
are  never  out  of  my  head  before  the  next  days  dinner,  &  so  on  alter- 
nately, however  I'm  now  determined  to  leave  off  this  life  of  riot  & 
for  once  become  a  sober  citizen.  The  life  led  here  at  present,  if 
possible  exceeds  what  you  saw  in  Boston,  indeed  since  I  came  here 
it  has  been  one  Continued  round  of  pleasure  w**  is  not  much  in 
favour  of  my  sprained  Leg.  it  has  not  been  in  my  power  to  take  as 
much  Care  of  it  as  I  did  on  the  road,  and  I  have  now  some  thoughts 
of  taking  another  Journay  that  I  may  have  time  to  recover  as  I'm 
sure  I  can  never  get  well  here. 

I  have  never  been  able  to  get  Col.  Stewart  to  the  Hatters — when 
his  engagements  are  over  I  expect  he  will  attend  to  it,  and  as  soon 
as  the  hat  is  finish'd  I  will  send  it  to  Camp  with  the  first  safe  hand. 
I  have  got  a  fashionable  button  &  loop  for  it.     *     *     * 

I  most  sincerely  wish  you  the  Beggars  benison  of  a  Guinea  always 
in  your  pocket — 

I  am  with  much  Esteem, 

Dear  Webb,  your  Friend  &c 

W.  Erskine. 


FROM  JOSEPH  BARRELL. 

Boston,  30  March,  1780. 
Dear  Sam  : 

I  Have  received  several  Letters  from  you  wc.h  are  yet  unanswered, 

not  for  want  of  regard  you  may  justly  conclude. 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


256         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Bro.  Jo  has  sent  me  Wright  &  Ryley's  Acct  wc.h  I  have  settled  in 
my  books,  &  Charged  you  what  you  Received  of  them,  &  by  the 
time  you  Return  from  Camp  you'l  find  your  Acct  ready  at  Jo's. 

I  wish  your  next  may  inform  me  that  the  prospect  of  your  ex- 
change has  not  vanished,  as  has  formerly  been  the  case,  but  that  you 
are  once  again  a  free  man ;  &  then  for  an  oppy  to  return  the  dogs 
what  you  owe  them.  The  only  excuse  for  Nicholson,*  is  that  he  was 
on  the  eve  of  Matrimony,  and  perhaps  so  elated  with  the  prospect 
that  he  Knew  not  what  he  promised.  He  is  married,  &  has  since  he 
sailed  sent  in  a  very  good  prize,  loaded  with  Rum  you  dog.  Smed- 
ley  t  in  the  Recovery  has  also  sent  us  a  Sloop  with  that  same  sort  of 
Liquor,  &  I  hope  the  Hawke  will  not  be  behind  hand.  The  Bills 
upon  these  Vessels,  run  up  beyond  all  account  and  such  is  the  Situa- 
tion of  the  Paper  Money  that  I  fear  'twill  not  go  much  longer.  The 
Congress  do  more  to  ruin  it,  than  all  the  [  ]  besides  by  their 

Resolves  &  Re-Resolves ;  &  happy  for  them  if  they  die  the  same, 
this  last  Manoeuvre  of  promiseing  Bills  has  nearly  ruin'd  the  whole ; 
as  many  people  had  sold  their  Effects  &  procured  Money  to  pur- 
chase Bills,  and  now  finding  none  coming  they  gave  any  price  for 

any  thing,  to  get  rid  of  the  dying  Child.     *     *     * 

J.  Barrell. 


WASHINGTON  TO    THE  PRESIDENT   OF   CONGRESS. 

Headquarters,  Morristown,  31  March,  1780. 
Sir: 

I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  the  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
commissioners  appointed  to  meet  at  Amboy,  the  9th  instant,  for  the 
purpose  of  settling  a  general  cartel,  by  which  Congress  will  perceive 
that  the  present  attempt  has  been  as  unsuccessful  as  all  the  former, 
and  from  the  same  cause. 

In  January  I  was  honored  with  a  letter  from  the  Minister  of  France, 
informing  me  of  his  having  received  advice  from  Europe,  that  the 

*  James  Nicholson  commanded  the  frigate  Trumbull,  of  twenty- eight  guns,  built 
by  the  order  of  Congress  at  Chatham,  on  Connecticut  river,  and  manned  at  New 
London. 

t  Probably  Samuel  Smedley,  who  commanded  the  Connecticut  brig  Defence 
when  she  was  wrecked  in  1779  on  Goshen  reef,  within  sight  of  New  London. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  257 


Court  of  London,  on  account  of  the  difficulty  they  found  in  procur- 
ing men,  had  instructed  their  commander  in  chief  here,  to  treat  with 
us  on  a  national  footing  rather  than  fail  to  obtain  a  reinforcement  to 
their  army  by  the  release  of  their  prisoners  in  our  hands.  He  added 
that  he  had  communicated  his  intelligence  to  Congress,  and  that 
Congress  had  requested  him  to  transmit  it  to  me,  as  a  matter  which 
ought  materially  to  influence  the  measure  we  were  about  to  take  on 
the  subject  of  an  exchange. 

Though  I  was  strongly  persuaded  beforehand,  that  there  was  a. 
mistake  in  his  Excellency's  information,  and  that  the  advantages  to. 
be  reaped  by  the  enemy  from  that  proposed  Exchange,  would  not  be 
a  sufficient  inducement  to  a  step  of  the  nature  it  imported,  which  I 
took  the  liberty  to  signify  to  him,  yet  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  make 
the  experiment,  as  well  from  motives  of  respect  to  the  communica- 
tion, as  from  the  possibility  of  its  being  well  founded.  I  therefore 
directed  our  commissioners  to  take  every  method  to  ascertain  the 
Enemy's  views  on  this  head,  and,  if  the  British  commissioners  did  not 
come  with  national  powers,  to  decline  doing  anything  with  them  in 
an  official  capacity ;  but  after  satisfying  themselves  that  nothing  was 
to  be  effected  on  a  larger  scale,  they  were  instructed  to  enter  into 
private  conversation  on  the  terms  of  a  particular  exchange.  This 
letter  No.  2.  will  shew  what  was  done  in  consequence.  Congress 
will  perceive  that  their  proposal  was  not  accepted  by  the  gentlemen 
on  the  other  side,  who  insisted  on  the  exchange  being  at  all  events 
extended  to  one  half  of  the  second  division  of  the  convention'troops. 
This  was  a  departure  from  the  plan  concerted  between  General  Phil- 
lips and  Cols.  Magaw,  Matthews,  &c. 

If  Congress  think  that  humanity  requires  or  policy  permits  us  to 
accede  to  the  enemy's  ultimatum,  I  shall  be  happy  to  execute  their 
orders ;  but  it  is  a  point  of  so  much  dekcacy  and  importance,  that  I 
cannot  forbear  earnestly  requesting  I  may  be  excused  from  deciding 
in  it.  On  one  hand,  the  acquisition  of  so  many  men  will  be  of  great 
moment  to  the  enemy,  if  they  meet  with  success  to  the  southward ; 
on  the  other,  I  see  not  how  we  shall  be  able  to  maintain  our  officers 
in  captivity,  and  the  expence  is  no  trifling  consideration.  I  think  it 
necessary  to  observe,  that  if  the  enemy's  proposal  should  be  ac- 
cepted, it  may  be  June  before  the  prisoners  are  delivered — but  per- 
haps it  will  be  judged  advisable  to  delay  a  determination  'till  the 


258         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

probable  issue  of  southern  affairs  is  a  little  unfolded.     I  have  the 
honor,  &c*  G?  Washington. 


FROM   CAPTAIN   EULKLEY. 

Flat  Bush,  30th  April,  1780. 
Dear  Colo  : 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  Attention  you  have  paid, 

in  endeavouring  to  send  in  some  Necessaries,  but  it  seemeth  that 

permission  could  not  be  obtain' d ;  unfortunate  for  us  as  our  Supplies 

of  Cash  is  verry  nearly  expended,  perticularly  my  own  having  lent 

*  Read  in  Congress,  April  6th.  Referred  to  Scott,  Houston,  and  Ellery.  The 
above  committee  discharged  Octr.  13,  1780.  Referred  to  Sullivan,  Bland,  and 
Matthews. 

"This  attempt  for  a  general  cartel  and  exchange  has  proved  ineffectual,  as 
every  former  one  had  done,  founded  on  an  objection  to  the  powers  given  by  Sir 
Henry  Clinton;  and  your  Lordship  will  directly  observe  the  great  object  of  the 
American  Congress  is  to  mark  some  public  act,  in  which  General  "Washington 
may  be  concerned  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton  in  character  of  equality  with  Great 
Britain,  on  principles  of  nation  against  nation  at  war;  and  the  positive  declaration 
of  the  American  commissioners  on  this  matter  fully  evinces  the  fact,  and  that  a 
general  cartel  can  never  possibly  take  place  on  any  other  ground,  which  it  may 
be  imagined  will  never  be  suffered  by  Great  Britain.  In  a  number  of  attempts  to 
release  the  troops  of  convention,  the  matter  has  broken  off  under  several  descrip- 
tions. At  one  time  the  American  Congress  would  not  exchange  the  troops  in 
corps ;  at  another  they  were  willing  to  exchange  private  soldiers  to  a  certain  num- 
ber, but  it  was  never  understood  what  number  or  in  what  manner.  Interested  as 
I  have  been,  it  has  led  me  to  hold  conversations  with  a  number  of  American  offi- 
cers, proving  to  them  that  the  troops  of  convention  stood  under  a  particular  de- 
scription, and  that  exchanging  the  officers  without  the  men  against  American  offi- 
cers prisoners  of  war  could  not  be  considered  as  equal,  the  American  officers  going 
to  an  immediate  activity  of  service,  and  the  convention  officers  not  doing  so,  as 
the  regiments  to  which  they  belonged  would  still  be  in  captivity;  and,  however 
eligible  and  convenient  for  the  officers  themselves,  it  would  be  of  no  advantage  to 
tbe  King's  service." — General  Phillips  to  Lord  George  Germaine,  25  March,  1780. 

"  Those  officers,  who  have  not  been  indulged  with  furloughs  should  be  pre- 
ferred, as  they  will  have  an  opportunity  of  visiting  their  families  and  friends,  and 
looking  into  their  private  affairs  at  the  same  time.  Captain  (John)  Webb,  the 
Bearer  of  this,  who  is  under  the  necessity  of  resigning,  if  he  cannot  obtain  leave 
of  absence,  would  be  content  with  going  home  upon  those  terms.  He  represents 
the  situation  of  his  family  in  such  a  manner,  that  I  wish  him  to  be  indulged,  if 
possible,  at  any  rate." — Washington  to  Major- General  Robert  Howe,  13  April, 
1780. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  259 

out  some  Cash,  expecting  a  Supply  of  that  Necessary  from  the  Pub- 
lic, (but  I  suppose  permission  cannot  be  procured.)  as  I  have  verry 
little  prospect  of  being  exchanged  during  this  unnatural  Rebellion,  I 
wish  you  to  be  so  kind  as  to  send  me  my  old  Bay  Mare  if  she  is  in 
order ;  should  she  be  in  a  Situation  not  proper  to  be  sent  hear,  pray 
Purchese  me  a  genteel  good  saddle  horse  and  send  him  the  first 
good  opportunity.  I  think  permission  will  not  be  refused  for  horses, 
as  the  British  do  not  at  this  present  eat  them ;  having  plentiful  Sup- 
plies of  good  Beef,  &c.  Mr.  Hopkins  tells  me  he  has  wrote  for  a 
horse ;  it  may  be  convenient  to  send  them  both  together,  Sir  you 
know  our  situation  and  consiquently  can  feel  for  us ;  you  know  like- 
wise a  good  horse  will  help  to  whirle  away  time  more  agreeably, 
therefore  do  not  neglect  to  do  me  this  great  favour. 

Have  not  as  yet  heard  anything  about  the  Bill  of  exchange  you 
Mention.  Intend  to  do  everything  you  request,  if  in  my  power  so 
to  do.  You  mention  that  the  Military  Assemblys  are  truly  Brilliant ; 
I  wish  I  could  say  that  my  situation  was  so ;  why  do  I  say  anything 
about  my  situation,  I  am  suffering  for  my  Invaded  country ;  send  me 
the  good  horse  and  I  am  Brilliant.  The  Officers  have  Jointly  peti- 
tioned the  Governour  &  Councill  for  Supplies ;  and  sent  it  out  by 
General  Silliman  who  has  promised  to  accompany  it  with  his  favour- 
able Representation,  I  am  sure  you  will  give  your  assistance  in  a 
Matter  so  Necessary.  I  suppose  a  part  of  the  Scripture  will  be  veri- 
fied in  this  request.  Ask  &  You  shall  Receive  (perhaps  twenty 
dollars) .  It  is  hard  to  support  the  Carrecter  of  an  Officer  with  the 
small  Supplies  we  have  rec<?  from  the  Public,  as  it  is  to  make*  Brick 
without  Straw,     (enough  of  this) — 

Your  good  Mutual  friends  at  the  half  way  house  are  well  and  con- 
tinue to  be  the  same  as  they  use  to  be,  except  a  perticular  shake  of 
the  head  when  it  was  mentioned  that  you  and  a  Miss  B[ancke]rwas 
about  to  do  you  know  what,  the  rest  of  our  acquaintance  are  gen- 
erally well  and  make  their  Compliments. 

Please  to  make  my  respects  to  Colo.  Huntington  and  the  Officers 
of  Your  once  happy  Regiment,  my  best  Compliments  waits  on  all 
friend  that  inquire ;  and  on  your  and  my  Brother  Jose,  God  Bless 
him,  tell  him,  that  I  ever  intended  to  have  wrote  and  done  many 
things  for  him  which  the  want  of  a  good  opportunity  has  prevented. 
I  am  Dear  Col?  most  Sincerely  yours 

Edw?  Bulkley. 


26o         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM  THOMAS   WOOSTER.* 

Hartford,  12  May,  1780. 
D»  Sir: 

I  suppose  you  well  know  that  for  some  reason  or  other,  the  officers 
of  our  Reg1,  had  never  receiv'd  their  Commissions  when  I  left  the 
Reg1.  ;  and  as  I  have  thought  of  going  to  Europe  in  the  Fall,  should 
be  much  obliged  to  you  if  you  will  take  the  trouble  to  get  my  Com- 
mission made  out,  and  send  it  me,  tho,  I  suppose  there  has  been  one 
made  out  some  time  ago,  tho',  I  never  receiv'd  it ;  you  know  a 
certain  person  if  he  had  it,  and  thought  it  would  be  of  any  service  to 
me,  wou'd  not  have  delivered  it  me,  except  he  was  oblig'd,  for  which 
reason  I  never  have  applied  for  it  before ;  the  reason  of  my  wanting 
to  have  it,  or  that  I  imagine  it  might  be  of  service  to  me  abroad,  by 
gaining  respect,  if  not  Friends.  I  should  also  be  glad  if  you  cou'd 
get  me  an  honourable  Discharge  from  Genl  Washington,  as  I  never 
had  one,  nor  was  muster'd  out  as  a  supernumerary,  tho  :  perhaps  the 
Major  might  consider  it  in  that  light,  but  I  never  receiv'd  the  year's 
Pay,  which  was  allow'd  to  supernY  Officers,  nor  indeed  never  desir'd 
it,  as  I  did  not  enter  the  service  for  the  sake  of  pay,  or  Rank,  and  I 
imagine  shou'd  not  have  quitted  it,  untill  the  war  was  over,  if  you 
had  not  been  so  unfortunate  as  to  be  taken  from  it.  I  beg  you  will 
let  me  know  whether  you  comply  with  my  request  by  the  first  op- 
portunity and  in  the  mean  time  remain,  you  most  obed*  serv*  . 

Tho?  Wooster. 


FROM    MANNING  MERRILL. 

Wethersfield,  May  15th,  1780. 

Monday  Mornf  9  o'Clock. 
Dear  Colo  : 

I  have  the  Pleasure  to  inform  you  that  Friday  last  the  Hawk  Re- 
turned to  N.  London,  &  Brought  in  with  Her  a  Ship  from  London 
bound  to  N.  York  which  she  took  off  Sandy  hook — Her  Cargo  is  300 
Tons  Coal,  20  Tons  Riggen,  108  Bolts  Duck,  &  sundry  Other  Arti- 
cles which  the  Cap?  had  not  time  to  mention  when  He  Wrote — 
(which  was  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Harbour;)  she  Mounted  20  Guns. 

*  Wooster  was  commissioned  a  captain  in  Col.  Webb's  regiment,  23  February, 
1777,  and  retired  as  supernumerary  Captain  in  April,  1779. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  261 

Viz — 6 — 9'es,  &  4 — 4'es  &  6'es — &  10  Wooden — 360  Tons  burthen, 
but  unfortunately  there  was  2  Privateers  in  Sight  which  its  supposed 
will  draw  |th  but  Verry  underservedly  as  they  was  of  no  service  nor 
did  they  Come  Up  untill  she  had  struck — the  Hawk  behaved  Gal- 
lantly, &  Rec'?  the  fire  of  Her  2  stern  Chasers  for  2  Hours  which 
Cutt  Her  Riggen  &  Sails  ^prodigiously — when  Coming  within  30 
yards  he  made  every  thing  Ready  to  lay  Her  a  Board,  which  the 
Ship  perceiving  thought  best  to  Strike,  to  prevent  the  Shedding  of 
Blood — the  Hawk  has  taken  4  other  Prizes  in  C?  2  of  which  they 
Ran  a  Shore  on  Long  Island  &  the  People  made  their  Escape — the 
Other  2  have  Arrived  but  of  no  great  Value — she  Sales  fast  &  is 
much  liked.  Mr.  Webb  set  off  for  N.  London  yesterday,  to  take  the 
Necessary  Care,  as  he  is  Agent. 

We  have  been  Expecting  you  Home  for  some  time  past,  which  has 
prevented  any  of  the  family  from  Writing.  Mrs.  W.  expressed  a 
Desire  to  send  forward  a  Letter  but  was  prevented,  when  she  found 
it  must  go  the  Post.  Miss  W.  seams  anxious  for  your  return,  &  oft 
mentions  a  desire  to  see  Boston  before  the  Season  is  so  far  advanced 
Yr.  Sister  A[bigail]  is  well  &  sends  her  Love  Jointly  &  severally  with 
the  family.  Sally  says  she  wants  to  see  You  &  you  must  Come 
Home — as  she  has  almost  forgot  her  education — but  a  few  days  will 
Revive  it  as  she  has  the  same  spirit  Remain?  — the  little  Miss  is  in  a 
fair  way  to  match  Sally  with  a  little  of  your  Tuition.     I  am  Dear 

Col?  .  in  haste. 

Yours  Affcy 

M.  Merrill. 

P.  S.  friends  are  all  well  in  Boston  &  Express  a  desire  to  see  you. 

Governor  Trumbull  has  not  Come  in  so  fully  as  could  have  been 
Wishd — he  had  not  a  Majority  of  Votes  by  70,  but  its  generally  be- 
lieved the  Assembly  will  put  Him  in — old  Marshalls  Candle  is  near 
out — as  he  is  one  of  our  new  lighted  Gentry,  but  there  was  near  300 
fools  that  Voted  for  Him  as  Gov1:  . 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   BLAGDEN. 

Hartford,  May  25,  1780. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

I  went  to  Weathersfield  this  morning  in  Expectation  of  the  pleas- 
ure of  seeing  you  there,  but  found  your  brother,  with  the  Ladys,  Mr. 
Deane  and  Major  Talmage  Just  mounting  for  a  Ride  to  Windsor. 


262        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Capt.  Webb  Just  going  for  Head  Quarters,  I  take  the  opportunity 
of  Communicating  in  the  Confidence  of  that  Friendship  which  I  en- 
tertain for  you,  some  Matters  in  which  it  may  perhaps  be  in  your 
power  to  serve  me. 

You  know  my  Reasons  for  leaving  the  Army,  and  I  have  an  opin- 
ion that  you  do  not  disapprove  of  them,  I  thought  Retirement,  more 
Hon'ble  than  Service,  under  an  unworthy  Commander. 

As  I  was  Ever  fond  of  a  Military  Life,  and  Entered  very  early 
into  the  service,  I  made  a  Great  Sacrifice  in  Giving  up  the  Rank  I 
had  acquired,  but  my  Consolation  was,  that  the  Gen1.  Approved  of  it. 

Now  my  Friend,  what  I  would  Wish  of  you  is,  that  as  your  situa- 
tion places  you  near,  and  frequently  in  Company  of  His  Excellency 
and  the  Generals,  you  would  take  Occasion  to  mention  your  friend ; 
not  as  Coming  from  him,  for  your  own  delicacy  will  point  out  to  you 
the  impropriety  of  that,  but  as  a  Spontaneous  Idea  of  your  Own. 

I  cannot  ask  anything  of  the  Gen1,  nor  will  I  of  Congress,  and  yet 
I  wish  to  take  a  part  in  this  Summer's  Campaign —  Your  Good 
friend  Gen1  Green  has  doubtless  many  occasions,  of  Imploying  in  his 
department  those  who  have  served  in  the  Army ;  If  you  think  it 
worth  while  I  beg  you  mention  me  to  him —  In  short  as  you  know 
me,  and  what  will  sute  my  turn,  do  for  me  in  the  same  manner  you 
would  have  me  do  for  you  in  the  same  Circumstances. 
I  am  my  T>r.  Sir, 

your  Obliged  Hu'ble  Serv* 

Sam.  Blagden.* 


JOSEPH   WEBB   TO   A   COMMITTEE   FROM   CONGRESS. 

Morristown,  2  June,  1780. 

TO  THE  HONRTHE  COMMITTEE  FROM  CONGRESS  NOW  SITTING  AT  MORRISTOWN. 

Gentn : 

Having  lately  Erected  a  very  extensive  &  Compleat  set  of  Tan 
Works,  &  provided  an  English  Workman  of  the  first  Abilities  to 
superintend  &  Manage  the  different  Branches  of  tanning  Currying  & 

*  Samuel  Blagden  was  engaged  in  the  party  that  went  from  Connecticut  in 
April  1775  to  take  Fort  Ticonderoga,  and  afterwards  served  in  the  northern  army 
as  an  aid  to  General  Wooster.  As  a  Lieutenant-Colonel  he  was  in  Sheldon's 
Light  Dragoon's,  and  resigned  in  August,  1779.  He  does  not  appear  to  have 
again  entered  the  army. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  263 

dressing  Leather — I  am  led  to  offer  my  best  service  to  the  Public  in 
Tanning  any  Quantity  of  Leather  not  exceeding  Two  thousand  Raw 
Hides,  which  shall  be  Tanned  &  Curried  in  most  Compleat  English 
Manner  for  one  Half — The  Public  being  at  the  Expence  of  a  man  to 
superintend  the  delivery  of  the  Hides  to  my  Order  and  the  Carriage 
from  the  places  of  Slaughter  to  the  Tan  yards  in  Wethersfield — 
which  last  Service  I  will  undertake  to  do  at  the  rate  of  one  Shilling 
p*  mile  for  Every  Tonn  of  Raw  Hides  payable  in  Hides  at  Two 
pence  half  penny  p4  and  I  will  procure  a  proper  person  to  Superin- 
tend on  the  best  Terms  in  my  power  and  Receive  payment  for  His 
Wage  in  Hides  as  aforesaid — M*  Webb  likewise  makes  this  other 
proposal — that  He  will  Receive  from  the  public  any  Quantity  of 
of  Raw  Hides  not  exceeding  the  above  Quantity  at  His  Works — 
Superintending  the  Delivery  &  the  Transportation  paid  as  above  (to 
Have  it  tan'd  &  Curried  in  the  best  Manner  as  the  Hides  may  best 
answer  for ;  &  for  every  Thirty  pounds  of  Raw  Hides  so  Deliv'd  to 
pay  in  one  pair  good  Merchantable  Large  &  well  made  Soldiers  Shoes 
— Deliver'd  at  the  Works  to  the  Order  of  Congress — The  orders  of 
Congress  may  have  a  proportionable  Quantity  of  Harness  &  other 
Leather  instead  of  Shoes  at  the  said  proportion  of  thirty  pounds  for 
one  pair  of  Shoes  as  may  best  suit  the  public — or  be  most  agreeable. 

Mr.  Webb  also  begs  leave  for  the  Quantity  of  Raw  Hides  as  above, 
superintendance  &  Transportation  being  paid  as  above — to  make 
one  more  proposal,  Viz. — 

To  Tan  &  Curry  the  Hides  in  the  very  best  manner  &  for  to  re- 
ceive the  Hides  at  Two  pence  half  penny  pr  pound  free  of  charge  & 
to  give  his  Workmen  orders  to  Tan  the  Hides  as  may  be  most  suit- 
able— either  Sole  &  Harness  or  upper  Leather  :  &  when  finished  Mr. 
Webb  will  pay  for  said  Hides  as  above  in  Leather  as  follows  : — 

Sole  Leather  at  fifteen  pence,  Harness  &  Saddle  Leather  at  Eigh- 
teen pence — Upper  Leather  in  like  proportion — 

Mr.  Webbs  most  Respectful  Compliments  waits  on  the  Gent™  & 
begs  they  wou'd  take  His  proposals  into  Consideration  &  give  him 
an  Answer  this  Afternoon — As  He  waits  from  Returning  Home  only 
for  the  Answer — Shou'd  it  be  agreeable  Mr.  Webb  wishes  for  the  very 
first  Hides  in  Order  to  Make  this  utmost  dispatch. 

I  am  Gent™ 

Your  Most  O1?  H  Servt 

Jos.  Webb. 


264        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

WEBB'S    OFFICERS. 
Arrangement  of  Col?  Saml  B.  Webb's  Regiment  and  the  dates 
from  which  the  officers  are  to  rank. 

Samuel  B.Webb  Colonel     22  August  1777 

Ebenezer  Huntington  Lt.  Col?  j  jo  Qctober  ^ 

Vice  Livingston  resigned  ) 

John  P.  Wyllys  vice  Huntington  Major     10  Octf  1778 

Edward  Bulkley  Capt?      1  Jany  1777 

Joseph  Walker  Captn     22  August  1777 

Samuel  William  Williams  Capt?      23  March  1778 

Elisha  Hopkins  Capt?  j  jq  Qctr  ^ 

vice  Wyllys  promoted  J 

John  Riley  ^P1"  }  ro  July  i779 

vice  Whiting — dead  ) 

Roger  Welles  CaPl°  I  9  April  1780 

vice  Hart — resigned  ) 

Timothy  Allen  Capt?  Lieu*     9  April  1780 

Nathan  Beers  Lt.  23  March  1777 

*Samuel  Mears  Lieut  j       March  ^ 

vice  Solomon  Mears  resigned  ) 

Ebenezer  Frothingham  Lieut  j  ^  May  ^^ 

vice  Giles  Mumford,  resigned  i 

Huntington  Tomlinson  ensign  5  April  1780 

*John  Meigs  Lt.  15  Feby  1778 

Excepting  to  the  above  Lt.  Col?  Huntington  claims  Rank  from 
12*  May  77  vice  Lt.  Col?  Meigs  Prefer?  from  Col?  Sherburne's  Reg' 
to  a  Colonel  in  the  Connecticut  Line — 

Camp  June  5*h  1780 

Eben  Huntington  Lt  Col?  Comm? 


JOSEPH   WEBB  TO    GOVERNOR  TRUMBULL. 

Wethersfield,  11  June,  1780. 
m: 

I  wish  to  know  if  any  Express  goes  soon  to  Head  Quarters,  as  I 
irish  to  Write — I  was  Sorry  it  was  not  convenient  for  you  &  Col? 
Dyer  to  come  &  drink  Tea  with  me  last  Evening,  as  I  wanted  to 
paint  the  late  distresses  of  our  truly  small,  but  gallant  Army — I 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  267 

I  have  not  had  it  in  my  power,  from  the  constant  duties  in  the 
field,  to  assist  Major  Claiborne  in  forwarding  the  wine.  I  will  write 
him  upon  the  subject,  and  press  him  to  forward  it. 

The  Enemy  continue  precisely  as  they  were,  &  they  have  com- 
pleted a  bridge  of  boats  across  the  sound,  but  whether  they  mean  to 
retreat  or  make  a  daring  and  serious  attack  upon  our  army  I  cannot 
say. 

My  best  respects  to  your  brothers  and  sisters,  and  believe  me  dear 
Sir, 

Your  sincere  and  affc*  Friend 

Lewis  Morris  Jun?  . 


JOSHUA   LORING  TO   MAJOR   SKINNER.* 

New  York,  21st  June  1780. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  the  Commands  of  His  Majesty's  Commander  in 
Chief,  His  Excellency  General  Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  propose  to  you 
an  Exchange  of  all  British  and  German  Prisoners  of  War  now  in 
your  hands  according  to  the  certified  lists  settled  between  me  and 
M*  Beaty  at  Amboy  :  against  an  equal  number,  Rank  for  Rank,  of 
the  American  Prisoners  of  War  on  Long  Island,  including  such  as 
may  be  at  home  upon  their  paroles,  and  Violaters  of  parole  in  the 
due  order  of  their  Capture.  I  have  to  propose  also  that  such  Offi- 
cers of  the  Troops  of  Convention  as  are  now  actually  on  their  paroles 
in  New  York  may  be  exchanged  Rank  for  Rank  against  an  equal 
number  of  your  Long  Island  Prisoners  of  War,  excepting  only  Major 
Gen1.  Phillips  and  Major  General  Riedesel  and  such  Officers  of  their 
families  as  they  may  chuse  to  be  with  them. 

You  will  no  doubt  take  General  Washington's  Commands  upon 
this  Matter  immediately. — And  on  our  Officers  being  suffered  to  go 
to  any  ready  place  of  embarkation  for  New  York,  an  equal  number 
of  American  Officers  shall  be  sent  from  Long  Island  in  exchange  for 
them. — His  Excellency  General  Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  No  objection 
to  Lieu1.  Col1.  Ramsey  being  opposed  to  Lieut.  Colo1.  Conolly  in  an 
Exchange,  supposing  this  Offer  of  a  general  One  is  accepted  of. 

*  Abraham  Skinner  was  a  deputy  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1 780,  he  was  appointed  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners. 


268         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


I  have  not  received  any  Answer  to  my  Letter  of  the  6l.h  of  May 
proposing  to  you  an  exchange  of  all  the  privates — prisoners  of  War 
in  our  possession  in  New  York. — I  am  directed  to  repeat  that  offer, 
and  am  ready  to  deliver  these  Privates  amounting  to  Five  Hundred 
for  an  equal  number  of  the  Prisoners  of  War  in  your  hands  as  fol- 
lows  

Non  Commissioned  Officers  and  Privates  taken  at  Stoney  Point — 
(of  the  17*  Infantry.) 

The  Soldiers  of  the  Artillery  according  to  the  enclosed  List. — 

The  Soldiers  of  the  42*?  and  71^  Regiments,  who  have  been  a  long 
time  Prisoners  at  Fort  Frederick,  and  Winchester  in  Maryland.  The 
remainder  to  be  made  up  from  our  prisoners  of  War  of  the  longest 
Capture. 

If  this  meets  with  General  Washington's  Approbation,  I  shall  be 
ready  to  carry  it  into  execution  immediately  at  such  place,  as  our 
respective  Commanders  in  Chief  shall  please  to  Appoint,  and  I  hope 
that  Motives  of  humanity  will  urge  that  no  further  delay  be  made  to 
this  proposal.  Hitherto  your  Prisoners  have  (by  great  attention  and 
expence)  been  kept  from  Sickness,  but  it  will  be  impossible  when 
the  hot  weather  sets  in,  for  them  to  continue  so,  as  they  have  scarce 
any  clothing  to  keep  them  clean  and  healthy. 

I  am  Sir  With  due  respect  Yours  &?  &? 

Jos?  Loring, 
ComY  Genl  of  Prisoners. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   GREENE. 

Camp,  Precknees,  near  Paramus 
July  4th,  1780 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  was  made  happy  by  your  letter  of  the  26th  of  last  month.  There 
is  a  mixture  of  pain  and  pleasure  to  hear  at  the  same  time,  the  dan- 
ger our  friends  have  been  exposed  to,  and  their  happy  escape  from 
it.  You  have  been  ill,  but  have  got  well.  The  alarm  was  no  sooner 
[given?],  than  joy  succeeded  it,  from  your  recovery. 

I  return  you  many  thanks  for  your  polite  attention  to  Mrs.  Greene, 
I  must  remain  your  debtor  until  you  will  give  me  an  opportunity  to 
escort  Mrs.  Webb  in  the  same  way,  and  I  can  assure  you  nothing 
would  give  me  greater  pleasure. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  269 

Be  not  afraid  of  matrimony,  trust  me  it  will  not  injure  you.  They 
who  engage  in  this  connection,  live  for  themselves ;  those  who  avoid 
it  live  for  others.  "My  greatest  happiness  is  of  the  social  kind ;  and 
I  am  sure  a  mind  possessed  of  your  sensibility  must  enjoy  the  most 
refined  pleasures  from  so  tender  a  connection.  Let  the  giddy  and 
unthinking  laugh ;  the  pleasures  of  the  rational  and  the  wise,  have 
always  been  the  sport  of  fools,  and  strange  as  it  may  appear,  I  firmly 
believe  that  matrimony,  generally  speaking,  lessens  our  expenses  as 
well  as  enlarges  our  felicity. 

The  Enemy  have  left  this  State,  and  upon  the  whole,  have  no 
great  things  to  boast  of.  Since  you  left  Morris  [town],  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  arrived,  and  made  some  demonstrations  as  if  he  intended  an 
attack  upon  West  Point,  but  dare  not  attempt  it.  It  is  said  he  is 
now  in  the  borders  of  West  Chester,  destroying  the  forage  of  that 
country,  to  prevent  our  availing  ourselves  of  it  hereafter,  should  we 
have  any  offensive  operations  in  contemplation  against  New  York. 

The  Congress  are  dreaming  as  usual ;  your  very  good  friend  Sir 
Roger  [Sherman  ?]  is  playing  his  old  game  of  little  tricks,  and  pur- 
suing his  former  scale  of  penny  happenny  politics  ;  and  unfortunately 
for  America,  he  finds  enough  of  his  kidney  to  join  him,  to  form  a 
majority  in  the  House. 

The  Committee  of  Congress  have  almost  all  got  sick ;  and  we  are 
almost  sick  of  them  all,  except  Schuyler.  The  other  two  dare  not 
do  what  they  know  to  be  right.  Popularity  is  the  bane  of  American 
Liberty,  and  if  a  different  policy  is  not  pursued  hereafter,  ten  to  one 
but  it  proves  our  ruin.* 

Please  to  make  my  respectful  compliments  to  your  brother  and 
family. 

I  am  with  the  greatest  respect,  your  most  obed1.  humble  serv*. 

Nath  :  Greene. 

*  The  members  of  this  committee  were  Philip  Schuyler,  John  Mathews  and  Na- 
thaniel Peabody.  They  were  vested  with  very  important  powers,  and  constituted 
the  Committee  on  Co-operation.  Journals  of  Congress,  April  6,  12,  13,  1780. 
Writings  of  Washington,  viii,  passim. 


270        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


FROM   MAJOR  TALLMADGE. 

Crompond,  July  6th,  1 780. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Since  my  arrival  at  camp  (which  was  on  the  third  day  after  I  left 
you) ,  a  variety  of  avocations  has  prevented  my  writing  to  my  friends 
as  often  as  I  could  have  wished. 

I  have  just  returned  from  H'Qu'rs  at  West  Point,  where  I  found 
&  left  your  brother  Jack  in  health  and  happy. 

Since  the  arrival  of  Sir  Harry  from  Carolina,  and  the  alarm  which 
spread  thro'  the  country  in  consequence  thereof,  on  acc't  of  your 
fortresses  on  the  North  River  I  am  happy  to  assure  you  that  our 
affairs  at  the  garrison  wear  a  promising  aspect.  Much  credit  is  due 
to  the  State  of  Connecticut  for  their  exertions  in  forwarding  sup- 
plies, and  I  believe  more  to  Governor  Clinton  for  the  seasonable 
reinforcement  which  he  sent  to  the  fort.  From  a  government  so 
modelled,  and  a  Governor  so  zealously  engaged  in  our  cause,  every- 
thing within  the  reach  of  human  exertions  may  be  expected.  Did 
you  not  know  the  spirit  of  the  Constitution  of  this  State,  and  par- 
ticularly the  powers  of  the  Governor  in  military  matters,  I  would 
relate  to  you  some  of  his  proceedings  towards  the  militia  in  the  late 
alarm,  where  pecuniary  satisfactions  will  not  atone  for  breaches  of 
military  orders,  and  the  rich  are  obliged  equally  with  the  poor  to 
take  their  tour  of  duty  or  suffer  military  sentence  and  execution,  no 
man  hopes  to  escape,  and  of  course  all  are  willing  to  assist. 

General  Washington  has  retired  or  advanced  from  the  Clove  down 
to  the  Kakiat  'tis  said  on  account  of  forage. 

We  have  this  day  been  informed  that  the  French  Fleet  have 
arrived  at  Rhode  Island.  God  grant  it  be  true,  as  I  long  to  be  in  a 
more  active  sphere.  I  am  tomorrow  going  on  an  enterprise  down 
to  the  Line  with  a  very  respectable  command  of  horse  or  foot.  I 
hope  the  next  account  you  hear  from  me  may  relate  some  achieve- 
ment. Being  on  an  advanced  post,  our  duty  is,  of  course,  severe, 
subject  to  frequent  alarms  and  little  rest.  I  have  often  wished  for 
Miss  Webb's  faculty  of  living  without  sleep,  that  duty  might  not  affect 
me. 

My  best  wishes  attend  Mr.  Webb  and  lady,  Miss  Webb,  Miss 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  271 

Abby,  and  our  friends  at  Chester-Hall.     I  am  happy  at  camp,  but  a 
sight  of  them  all  would  make  me  happier  still. 

Adieu  my  friend  and  believe  me, 

with  sincerity,  your  friend, 

Benj.  Tallmadge. 
P.  S.  Compliments  to  Mr.  Deane ;  should  write,  but  have  not  time. 
P.  S.  My  love  to  little  Sally  Ab — .     The  enclosed  parody  or  an- 
swer to  the  song  called  the  banks  of  the  Dee,  please  t9  present  to 
Miss  Chester,  as  she  may  probably  take  the  trouble  to  learn  it.* 


Sir: 


WASHINGTON  TO   THE   PRESIDENT   OF   CONGRESS. 

Head-Quarters  near  Passaic, 
10  July,  1780. 


With  respect  to  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  I  most  earnestly  wish 
that  Congress,  apprized  of  our  affairs  in  the  fullest  manner,  and  of 
the  prospects  of  the  campaign,  had  been  pleased  to  determine  the 
point  themselves.  But  as  they  have  not  done  it,  and  they  have 
thought  proper  to  refer  it  to  me,  I  cannot  but  observe,  if  motives  of 
policy  are  ever  to  prevail  over  those  of  humanity,  they  seem  to  apply 
at  present  against  a  general  exchange.  As  to  officers,  their  Exchange 
either  on  the  principle  of  equal  rank,  or  of  composition  where  that 
will  not  apply  confining  the  exchange  on  that  of  composition  for 
officers  only,  is  favored  both  by  policy  and  humanity,  and  therefore 
in  every  point  of  light  it  is  to  be  desired  ;  and  there  is  now  a  nego- 
tiation on  foot  between  us  and  the  Enemy  in  consequence  of  a  late 
proposition  from  them  for  the  exchange  of  all  their  officers,  who  are 
prisoners  of  war,  and  for  such  of  those  of  the  Convention  (Generals 
Phillips,  Riedesel,  and  their  families  excepted),  as  are  in  New  York 
on  parole,  for  an  equal  number  of  ours  of  their  rank  and  in  order  of 
their  captivity  ;  which,  if  carried  into  effect,  will  give  relief  to  a  few. 
But  the  exchange  of  privates,  though  strongly  urged  by  humanity, 
would  certainly  be  against  us  in  a  political  view.  It  would  throw 
into  the  Enemy's  hands  a  very  respectable  permanent  augmentation 
to  their  present  force,  already  great,  while  it  would  add  but  incon- 

♦From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  295. 


272        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

siderably  to  ours,  as  no  small  proportion  of  the  Men,  we  should  re- 
ceive, would  not  belong  to  the  Army,  and  Many  who  should  at  the 
time,  would  probably  be  soon  released  from  it  by  the  expiration  of 
their  Enlistments.  This  is  one  among  the  innumerable  ill  conse- 
quences that  result  from  short  enlistments.  Indeed,  if  the  case  were 
otherwise,  and  the  whole  of  the  privates,  the  Enemy  have  to  ex- 
change, were  enlisted  for  the  war,  the  advantages  derived  from  an 
Exchange  would  not  be  equal  at  this  time.  These  would  be  on  the 
side  of  the  Enemy,  on  the  supposition  that  offensive  operations  will 
be  prosecuted  on  our  part,  as  every  Man  given  them  would  in  such 
case  be  equal  to  two  received  by  us  on  the  lowest  scale  of  calcula- 
tion. These  considerations  seem  to  make  the  release  of  the  privates 
ineligible  for  the  present ;  but  Congress  will  decide  themselves  with 
respect  to  the  business.  If  they  think  that  their  exchange  should  be 
deferred,  or  if  we  should  not  be  able  to  effect  that  of  the  officers,  I 
should  hope  every  exertion,  which  our  circumstances  will  authorize, 
will  be  made  to  render  their  situation  easy  and  comfortable.  They 
have  a  claim  to  this,  and  nothing  in  our  power  should  be  omitted  to 
effect  it.* 

General  Lincoln  informed  me,  when  he  arrived  here,  that  from 
some  correspondence  which  had  passed  between  him  and  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  he  hoped  his  exchange  might  be  effected  for  one  of  the 
major-generals  of  the  Convention ;  and  for  this  purpose  he  wrote  to 
him  just  before  his  departure  for  Boston  with  my  approbation.  The 
proposition  falls  within  the  principle  of  equality  of  rank,  by  which 
exchanges  between  us  hitherto  have  been  governed ;  and  his  release 
will  not  be  injurious  to  the  claims  of  any  other  officer  of  ours  in  cap- 
tivity, and  therefore  it  appeared  to  me  not  objectionable.  I  hope  it 
will  be  considered  in  the  same  light  by  Congress.  I  have  the  honor 
to  be,  &c. 

G?  Washington 

*  When  this  letter  was  considered  in  Congress,  a  resolve  was  passed,  "  That 
General  Washington  be  authorized  to  effectuate  an  exchange  of  officers,  either  on 
the  footing  of  equal  rank,  or  on  composition,  or  both,  as  the  cases  may  respec- 
tively require,  confining  the  exchange  on  that  of  composition  of  officers  only,  and 
having  due  regard  to  the  order  of  captivity;  such  exchange  to  be  rendered  as 
extensive  as  possible  in  its  execution,  so  as  not  only  to  include,  on  the  part  of  the 
enemy,  prisoners  of  war,  but  also  the  officers  of  the  convention  troops,  now  on 
parole  at  New  York." — Journals,  August  7th. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  273 

P.  S.  I  forgot  to  mention  above  that  one  of  the  Enemy's  late 
propositions  extends  to  an  exchange  of  the  Privates  in  New  York — 
This  I  could  not  effect  in  the  severe  weather  in  the  beginning  of 
February  but  a  change  of  circumstances  has  since  disposed  them  to 
think  it  expedient  and  to  make  the  offer.  They  affect  to  place  it  on 
the  mere  footing  of  humanity. 


GENERAL  WASHINGTON  TO   ABRAHAM    SKINNER. 

Head  Quarters  12th  July  178a. 
Sir: 

Inclosed  you  will  receive  a  Copy  of  a  Letter  from  M*  Loring  the 
British  Commissary  of  Prisoners,  to  your  self,  of  the  21^  of  last 
month,  which  was  transmitted  me  by  Major  Genl  Phillips  while  you 
were  absent  from  the  Army.  You  will  Perceive  by  this,  that  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  has  proposed,  an  exchange  of  all  the  British  and 
German  Prisoners  of  War  in  our  hands  by  which  from  the  subse- 
quent part  of  the  Letter  I  understand  Officers  are  only  meant  ac- 
cording to  the  Certified  lists  settled  between  Mr.  Loring  and  Mr. 
Beatty  at  Amboy — and  also  of  such  Officers  of  the  Troops  of  Con- 
vention as  are  in  New  York  on  parole,  except  Major-General 
Phillips  and  Major-General  Reidesel  and  such  Officers  of  their 
families  as  they  may  chuse  to  retain  with  them  for  an  equal  number, 
rank  for  rank,  of  the  Prisoners  of  War  in  their  hands  on  Long 
Island,  including  such  as  are  at  home  upon  their  paroles  and  who 
have  violated  their  paroles,  in  due  order  of  their  Capture,  and  that 
Sir  Henry  Clinton  has  agreed  to  exchange  Lieu*  Colonel  Ramsey 
for  Lieu*  Colonel  Conolly.  I  accede  most  cheerfully  to  these  propo- 
sitions under  the  restrictions  mentioned  below — and  regret  that  your 
business  at  Philadelphia  has  delayed  for  some  days,  the  necessary 
measures  being  taken  to  carry  them  into  execution.  You  will  there- 
fore pursue  immediate  steps  for  bringing  forward  all  the  Officers 
Prisoners  of  War,  to  Elizabeth  Town,  and  will  expect  their  Exchange 
as  well  as  that  of  the  Convention  officers  in  New  York,  save  those 
excepted  above,  on  the  terms  proposed.  You  will  inform  M*  Loring 
immediately  of  our  agreeing  to  his  proposal  on  this  head — and  that 
their  Officers  will  be  sent  in  as  soon  as  possible. 

With  respect  to  the  proposition  for  the  exchange  of  privates — You 


274         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

will  request  Mr  Loring  to  favour  you  with  a  List  of  their  names — of 
the  Corps  and  Regiments  to  which  they  belong  and  of  the  place  and 
manner  of  their  Capture — after  which  you  will  receive  further  in- 
structions on  the  subject. 

The  exchange  of  Lieu*  Colo1.  Ramsey  may  not  perhaps  be  in  the 
order  of  Capture,  but  the  State  of  Maryland  insisting  on  it  for  Lieu* 
Col0.1  Conolly,  whom  they  took  &  claim  as  their  prisoner — it  must  be 
made — 

That  there  may  be  no  misunderstanding  in  this  business — transmit 
M*  Loring  in  time,  a  List  of  our  Officers  whom  we  are  to  receive 
from  them  in  exchange,  which  you  will  take  care  not  to  mention  any 
of  those  for  whom  we  do  not  consider  ourselves  accountable  either 
because  they  have  not  been  determined  violaters  of  parole  or  been 
allowed  as  proper  Subjects  of  Military  Capture. 

Lieu4.  Governor  Hamilton  and  the  officers  taken  with  him  at  De- 
troit can't  be  comprehended  in  the  Exchange  as  his  rank  is  not  set- 
tled and  they  are  under  the  direction  of  the  State  of  Virginia — 

With  respect  to  the  Officers  taken  in  the  Eagle  Packet — our  for- 
mer propositions  concerning  them  must  be  adhered  to.  Colonel 
Webb  must  be  released  for  them  the  first,  on  the  proper  ratio — and 
the  remainder  be  applied  to  the  relief  of  other  as  formerly  directed — 

I  am  Sir 

Yours  &? 

G?  Washington. 


TO   JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  Sunday  Evening, 

1 6th  July  1780. 
Dear  Barrell: 

Your  letter  of  the  6th  Instant  is  with  me  and  we 
have  since  been  waiting  a  private  conveyance  to  write 
you  particularly  which  has  not  offered.  I  write  now 
only  to  inform  you  that  B.  Deane,  J  Broome,  J  Wright, 
Merrill  and  myself  embark  on  Tuesday  next  on  Board 
the  Sloop  Gates  for  Newport  with  a  view  of  seeing  the 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  275 

French  Fleet  and  Army  and  passing  a  little  time  tete 
a  tete  wt.  our  friends — if  you  Joseph  Barrell  with  half 
a  dozen  other  cleaver  fellows  from  Boston  will  take  it 
in  your  heads  to  meet  us  there  you'll  make  us  happy — 
and  I  have't  a  doubt  you  may  find  some  business  in  the 
speculateing  way  which  will  make  it  worth  your  while, 
— as  I  am  told  their  is  many  goods  come  out  in  the 
Fleet,  don't  hesitate — come  if  possible,  we  shall  stop  in 
at  New  London,  and  probably  it  will  be  Fryday  or  Sat- 
urday before  we  reach  Newport, — whether  you  come 
or  not  write  to  that  place  by  the  Post — remember  all 
single  letters  to  me  come  post  free,  therefore  never  be 
afraid  of  writing — my  Love  to  Sally — Joe,  Hannah  & 
the  circle  with  and  about  you,  let  me  see  you  at  New- 
port when  you  shall  see  how  much  and  with  what 
Friendship 

I  am  your  Affct  Bro 

Saml  B.  Webb. 


FROM   LEWIS   MORRIS,   JR. 

Camp,  July  22d,  1780. 
Dr  Sir: 

Your  favor  of  the  1 7*  came  to  Hand  yesterday.     The  enclosed 

was  sent  off  by  Express  immediately.     I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to 

return  you  an  answer  from  her  for  every  letter  I  forward.     But  you 

must  consider  that  she  lives  in  a  remote  part  of  the  country  and  that 

opportunities  seldom  offer  from  that  Quarter. 

I  cannot  but  think  you  imprudent  to  venture  to  New  Port  by 

water,  and  an  under  some  little  apprehension  for  the  consequences 

— Admiral  Graves  has  sailed  from  New  York  with  a  superior  fleet, 

with  an  intention  to  block  up  the  French,  and  will  no  doubt  effect  it 

for  some  time — 'till  the  second  division  arrives. 

My  respects  at  home, 

and  believe  me  &c, 

L.  Morris  Junr  . 


276        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

ARRANGEMENT   OF  WEBB'S   REGIMENT. 

In  Committee  of  Congress  Camp  Preakness 
July  23,  1780. 

The  Commander  in  Chief  having  laid  before  the  Committee,  an 
act  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  which  is  in  the  Words  following,  to 
wit, 

"At  a  general  Assembly  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the 
State  of  Connecticut  in  America  holden  at  Hartford  on  the  2? 
Thursday  of  May  Dom  1780." 

"Upon  the  Memorial  of  Ebenezer  Huntington  Esq?  Lieu*  Col? 
Commandant  of  the  battallion  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States 
raised  in  this  State,  of  which  Sam1.  B.  Webb  Esq?  now  a  prisoner  of 
War,  is  Colonel,  shewing  to  this  Assembly  that  altho  said  battalion 
hath  received  bounties,  refreshments,  and  all  allowance — as  the 
eight  battalions  raised  in  this  State  have  had  and  received,  notwith- 
standing they  have  not  been  explicitly  adopted  by  this  State,  and 
added  to  their  line,  in  the  aforesaid  army,  which  is  inconvenient  to 
this  state,  and  to  said  Battalion  as  per  Memorial  on  file  " — 

"  Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  that  the  aforesaid  Battalion  in  the 
Army  of  the  United  States,  raised  in  this  state,  and  Commanded  by 
Samuel  B.  Webb  Esq?  as  Colonel,  be  and  the  same  is  adopted, 
claimed,  and  declared  to  be  one  of  the  Battalions  of  this  State,  in 
the  army  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Connecticut  Line  in  the 
said  Army,  and  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  their  Army,  are  desired  to  consider  said  Battal- 
ion as  being  part  of  the  Line  of  this  State,  in  said  Army,  and  to 
order  and  treat  them  as  such  accordingly." 

A  true  Copy  of  record  annexed  by 

George  Wyllys,  Secy 

Resolved,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  that 
the  regiment  whereof  Samuel  B.  Webb  Esq  is  Colonel,  now  Com- 
manded by  Lieu?  Col?  Ebenezer  Huntington  and  one  of  the  addi- 
tional Corps,  be  and  is  hereby,  annexed  to  the  Connecticut  line  in 
the  Continental  Army,  and  shall  hence  forth  be  Considered  and 
called  the  9?h  regiment  in  the  Connecticut  Line  of  Continental 
troops,  provided  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  considered 
as  taken  to  be  a  credit  to  the  State  of  Connecticut  for  more  of  the 
non  Commission'd  officers  &  Soldiers  than  were  Citizens  of  that 
State,  at  the  time  of  their  engagement  in  said  Corps. 

Phip.  Schuyler 
Jn?  Mathews 
Nath?-  Peabody — 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  277 

GENERAL  WASHINGTON  TO   ABRAHAM    SKINNER. 

Head  Quarters,  July  24th  1 780. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your  Letter  of  the  224  Instant  inclosing  a  copy  of 
one  from  Mr.  Loring  the  British  Commissary  of  prisoners  of  the  19^. 
I  find  by  his  Letter  that  the  Enemy  intend  to  connect  the  exchange 
of  our  officers  and  privates  prisoners  at  New  York  and  Long  Island, 
and  to  make  the  release  of  the  former  depend  on  that  of  the  latter. 
This  is  evidently  the  object  at  which  they  now  aim.  It  is  inadmis- 
sable  and  what  I  will  not  accede  to — Exchanges  from  the  first  that 
took  place  between  us  to  the  present  time,  have  been  conducted  on 
a  very  different  principle,  and  it  was  never  attempted  in  any  case 
before  to  combine  the  release  of  Officers  and  Men  together,  except 
in  the  instance  of  the  Convention  Troops ;  and  the  propositions  con- 
tained in  Mr.  Lo rings  Letter  of  the  21^  of  June  whatever  communi- 
cations he  may  have  thought  it  proper  to  give  since  are  separate  and 
distinct  with  respect  to  the  business,  and  do  not  in  the  most  distant 
manner  hint  at  any  relation  between  them.  You  are  therefore  to 
govern  yourself  entirely  by  his  proposition  of  the  21^  of  June  and  by 
my  Letter  of  the  12*  of  Instant  with  respect  to  the  Officers — 

As  to  the  privates  prisoners  in  New  York  about  whose  exchange 
the  Enemy  appear  Solicitous  at  present.  It  might  be  remarked  that 
humanity  required  it  much  more  strongly — when  it  was  proposed  and 
urged  on  our  part  on  the  3?  of  February — and  that  they  thought 
proper  then  to  decline  it  and  not  to  give  any  answer  upon  the  sub- 
ject 'til  the  6*h  of  May.  But  waiving  all  considerations  of  the  Mo- 
tives which  induced  them  then  to  decline,  what  they  now  would  ac- 
cede to — You  May  ascertain  with  Mr.  Loring  and  obtain  Lists  from 
him,  of  such  as  are  really  prisoners,  whom  we  shall  deem  as  such  and 
fit  subjects  of  Exchange.  This  will  be  a  good  and  necessary  prelim- 
inary step,  and  such  as  will  facilitate  their  release. 

In  consequence  of  directions  I  have  just  received  for  the  purpose 
you  will  propose  to  Mr.  Loring  to  exchange  any  Brigadier-General 
belonging  to  them  in  our  hands,  for  Brigadier-General  Du  Portail, 
who  was  taken  at  Charles  Town,  and  if  the  proposition  is  agreed  to, 
you  will  take  immediate  measures  for  releasing  the  Officer  given  on 
our  part — and  will  obtain  an  order  for  the  liberation  of  Gen1.  Du 
Portail  for  his  safe  conduct  to  Philadelphia,  or  Some  part  of  Jersey, 


278         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

if  Sir  Henry  Clinton  should  indulge  him  with  a  passage  by  Water,  or 
if  not,  till  he  arrives  at  such  place  in  North  Carolina  as  he  may 
mention. — 

As  Lieu*  Gen1.  Burgoyne  is  not  with  the  Convention  Troops — and 
the  Enemy  have  no  other  officers  of  ours  of  his  Rank  to  exchange 
for  him  ;  and  as  they  have  several  of  our  Colonels  prisoners  to  them, 
who  can  never  be  exchanged  on  the  principle  of  equal  Rank ;  I  wish 
you  to  propose  for  the  Mutual  relief  of  the  parties,  his  Exchange  for 
our  Colonels  as  far  as  it  may  extend,  according  to  the  Tariff  or 
Grades  which  were  discussed  and  thought  reasonable  by  our  respec- 
tive Commissioners  when  at  Amboy  last,  beginning  first  with  the 
Officers  of  this  rank  prisoners  in  this  Quarter,  referring  one  to  be 
exchanged  for  Col.  Cockier  and  extending  it  to  the  relief  of  those 
prisoners  in  the  Continental  Line  at  the  Southward,  as  far  as  it  will 
reach,  according  to  the  Seniority  of  their  Capture,  and  where  this  is 
equal,  the  dates  of  Commission  Must  govern. 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Hartford,  25  July,  1780. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  hope  you  had  a  happy  Jaunt  by  Water  &  arrived  safe  &  Pleased 
with  your  Reception — I  wish  I  was  there  to  purchase  the  Hides,  it 
wou'd  be  of  much  consequence  to  me — indeed  I  can  supply  them 
with  better  Leather  by  &  by,  than  any  other  person — to  receive 
those  Hides  immediately  from  the  French  when  new  &  Green  are 
vastly  before  Dry  Hides  from  the  Camp — 

I  have  hardly  tho*.  of  it  long  Enough  to  lay  any  Regular  Plan  which 
way  to  propose,  or  what  to  do,  as  to  Business  I  know  you  will  not 
attend  to  it — to  Come  to  Newport  I  know  not  how  to,  but  if  they 
will  wait  for  me  &  you  Advise  I  will  Come  immediately — perhaps  it 
may  be  worth  my  while — Hides  I  wou'd  buy  &  pay  off  in  something 
of  Supplys  or  Leather  or  Bills  only  allowing  me  a  Small  Time — this 
between  you  &  me  is  worth  an  Object  of  Persuing,  but  I  hardly 
know  how — I  can  supply  them  with  Some  Leather  in  seven  or  Eight 
Weeks. 

I  hope  you  have  Wrote  me  before  this,  I  would  not  be  so  short 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  279 


but  the  Bearer  Col?  Wadsworth  is  waiting — I  believe  He  wou'd  do 
everything  for  me  if  he  was  certain  of  Dennys  fullnlling — He  has 
received  a  Jealousy  that  I  fear  He  never  will  get  rid  off — He  loves 
our  family  beyond  a  Doubt  &  has  a  respect  &  friendship  for  us — He 
cou'd  at  once  get  me  the  French  Hides  which  wou'd  be  of  real 
Friendship — but  His  fear  of  punctuality  I  believe  will  prevent  His 
doing  or  saying  anything  about  the  affair — but  you  may  depend  I 
shall  after  the  Expence  I  have  been  at  attend  most  punctualy  to 
make  such  Returns  as  will  please 

but  Enough  has  been  said  if  I  can  get  well  &  good — to  bow  & 
Cring  too  much  I  can't  yet  Submit  to — 

I  will  receive  the  Hides  in  Returning  Vessels — on  the  Terms  I  do 
for  the  United  States  or  pay  for  them  [as]  is  Customary. 

There  has  no  Letters  arrived  for  you ;  if  they  do,  they  shall  be 
Given  to  Hetty — Colo  B —  family  is  well.  I  have  Rec<?  a  few  things 
from  N.  Haven.  Believe  me  yours 

J.  Webb. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Camp  Tappan,  19th  August,  1780. 
Dear  Webb  : 

Inclosed  you  will  receive  the  Returns  you  wish  for,  except  of  those 
men  enlisted  since  JanY  last,  which  do  not  pass  through  my  hands, 
but  are  immediately  to  be  settled  with  the  P[ay]  M  [aster]  Gen  [era]  I 
in  Camp.     For  that  reason  have  made  no  mention  of  them  to  you. 

In  my  last  I  made  some  mention  of  the  uneasiness  of  the  army ; 
it  hath  not  totally  subsided,  nor  do  I  think  it  will  soon.  They  seem 
willing  to  suffer  any  Change  thinking  it  cannot  be  the  worse  for 
them.  The  officers  of  your  Reg*  feel  [e]very  uneasiness  at  the 
neglect  of  the  Board  of  War,  in  not  forwarding  the  commissions 
agreeable  to  the  Arrangement  long  since  sent  on.  His  Excellency 
has  wrote  them  once  or  twice  about  it. — Day  before  yesterday  I  had 
an  Interview  with  him,  stated  the  disagreeable  situation  of  the  Reg*  „ 
but  more  particularly  of  myself  in  having  the  Command  of  the  Reg1.  r 
and  having  my  Reputation  at  Stake  for  their  good  conduct ;  whem 
we  have  not  Officers  enough  to  attend  to  the  Police  of  it. — He  said 
he  was  sensible  of  their  Situation,  &  would  immediately  write  the 


280         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Board  ofWar  on  the  Subject.  I  shall  expect  an  Answer  next  Week. 
If  they  do  not  make  the  Promotions  ask'd  for,  the  Officers  will  Re- 
sign. They  are  fully  determin'd  not  to  remain  in  such  a  situation 
any  longer.  We  have  only  four  duty  officers  in  the  Regiment,  &  are 
order'd  to  have  9  Companies  agreeable  to  the  Arrangement  of  the 
Army — one  of  which  are  in  the  Infantry ;  which  leaves  two  compan- 
ies to  each*  officer  in  the  Reg*  ,  instead  of  three  Officers  to  a  com- 
pany. My  Candle  is  nearly  expired, — and  this  I  borrowed  from 
Gen'l  Howe's  quarters,  to  compleat  my  Returns  &  give  you  a  line. 
I  have  not  been  able  to  command  a  Candle  for  Six  Days  past.  We 
have  no  News  from  the  Southward  or  N.  York,  worth  mention. 

My  love  to  the  Good  People  of  my  Acquaintance  with  you.  Tell 
them  God  Bless  them ;  it  is  Saturday  evening  &  I  always  think  of 
my  friends. 

The  candle  dies  this  moment ;  I  shall  be  scarcely  able  to  close  the 
letter  &  it  must  go  at  Daylight. 

God  Bless  you.     Adieu.     1 1  o'clock  Saturday  eve. 

Eben  Huntington. 


GENERAL   WASHINGTON    TO   THE   PRESIDENT   OF   CONGRESS. 

Head  Quarters,  —  Miles  from  Fort  Lee, 
August  24th  1780. 
Sir: 

I  am  now  to  acknowledge  the  honor  of  your  Excellency's  dis- 
patches of  the  9^  which  I  received  four  or  five  days  ago,  and  which 
I  have  been  prevented  answering  before,  by  a  variety  of  pressing 
business — 

With  respect  to  the  exchange  of  Officers — I  beg  leave  to  refer 
Congress  to  the  Inclosures  No.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  &  6  which  comprehend 
the  correspondence  which  has  passed  of  late,  between  us  and  the 
Enemy  on  the  subject — and  by  which  they  will  perceive  the  footing 
on  which  the  business  stands — and  that  I  have  been  doing  already 
all  in  my  Power  to  accomplish  their  wishes  on  this  head.  I  expect 
General  Lincoln  will  be  in  Camp  the  io1!?  of  next  month,  from  a 
Letter  I  received  from  him  yesterday,  with  a  view  of  meeting  Gen. 
Phillips  on  the  i2l.h  at  Elizabeth  Town,  agreeable  to  their  mutual 
desires  and  a  proposition  which  has  passed  between  them  for  the 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  281 

purpose,  where  I  will  direct  Ml  Skinner,  the  Deputy  Commissary,  to 
attend  and  endeavour  to  effectuate  an  exchange  on  the  principles, 
and  to  the  intent  Congress  have  mentioned  in  their  Act  of  the  7* — 
I  shall  include  the  case  of  General  Burgoyne  in  my  instructions  to 
him,  presuming  it  will  be  agreeable  to  Congress,  if  I  do  not  receive 
a  Letter  from  them,  expressive  of  their  sense  to  the  contrary.  His 
exchange,  I  think,  under  all  circumstances,  for  our  Colonels,  who 
cannot  be  released  on  the  principle  of  equal  rank,  would  be  a  very 
fortunate  event,  but  it  is  one  I  do  not  expect,  from  the  little  estima- 
tion in  which  they  seem  to  hold  them.  If  an  exchange  is  going  into, 
I  would  observe  the  rule  of  seniority  will  be  departed  from,  in  the 
instance  of  Colonel  Webb  and  Lieu*  Colonel  Ramsey.  The  prison- 
ers taken  in  the  Eagle  packet  were  captured  by  a  private  vessel, 
whose  owners  have  expressed  a  desire  and  insisted  that  the  former 
should  have  the  benefit  of  them,  so  far  as  it  should  be  necessary  for 
his  own  exchange,  and  the  State  of  Maryland  have  claimed  the  re- 
lease of  the  latter  for  Lieu*  Col.  Connolly,  who  was  taken  by  them, 
as  other  States  had  done  in  like  circumstances.  The  exceptions  in 
favour  of  these  two  gentlemen,  are  founded  on  these  reasons.  Jn 
every  other  instance  of  exchange,  where  similiar  causes  have  not 
existed  and  been  insisted  on  by  the  States — the  business,  so  far  as  it 
has  been  directed  by  me,  has  uniformly  been  conducted  on  the 
principles  of  equality  of  rank  and  priority  of  Capture.  I  am  exceed- 
ingly happy  that  measures  are  taking  for  the  support  and  accommo- 
dation of  our  prisoners  and  I  hope  their  situation  in  future  will  be 
more  comfortable  than  it  has  hitherto  been —     *     *     * 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Camp  Ten  Eyck,  4  miles  from  Hackensack,  2  miles  from  New  \ 
Bridge,  opposite  Fort  Washington,  30th  August,  1780.  j 

Dear  Sir  : 

Our  news  is  small,  tho'  possibly  I  may  tell  four  days  ago  a  duel 
was  fought  between  Lt.  Peyton  *  and  another  officer,  both  of  them 

*  Mr.  Horace  Edwin  Hayden,  whose  Virginia  Genealogies  contains  an  account 
of  the  Peyton  family,  suggests  that  this  was  probably  Dade  Peyton,  a  cornet  in 
Col.  Stephen  Moylan's  regiment  of  Light  Dragoons,  raised  in  Pennsylvania.  He 
was  made  a  Lieutenant,  2  June,  1779. 


282         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Maryland  Horse;  Peyton  was  killed,  the  other  wounded.  The 
next  day  a  duel  was  fought  between  Baskenridge  Wm.  Livingston  & 
a  Mr.  Stack,  volunteer  in  the  Marechosa  [Marechaussee]  Horse. 
Livingston  was  killed  &  buried  the  night  before  last  at  Hackensack. 
I  pity  poor  Eliza. 

I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  obtain  the  commissions  from  the 
Board  of  War  agreeable  to  the  arrangements  long  since  made  out, 
nor  doth  it  appear  probable  I  shall  soon.  It  embarrasses  me  very 
much.  The  officers  are  very  much  dissatisfied  at  the  neglect. 
They  think  the  board  do  not  intend  to  fill  the  vacancies. 

The  Right  wing  of  the  army,  except  the  2d  Conn,  commanded  by 
Maj.  Gen'l  Greene,  went  on  a  foraging  party  last  Saturday  &  to 
obtain  provisions  for  our  starved  army  Down  Past  Powles  Hook  to 
the  Point  of  Bergen  next  Staten  Island,  and  without  any  molestation 
from  the  enemy  thay  obtained  considerable  forage  &  some  beef. 
The  rascality  of  our  troops  was  equal  to  the  British.  They  plun- 
dered the  inhabitants  villainously,  and  I  believe  offered  that  violence 
to  some  for  which  the  British  are  universally  condemned.  One  of 
the  Pennsylvania  line  was  immediately  hung  up  for  his  conduct 
without  ceremony.* 

*  "  It  gives  me  pain  to  inform  Congress,  that  we  are  again  in  a  most  disagree- 
able situation  with  respect  to  provision  of  the  meat  kind — and  we  have  not  from 
any  thing  I  can  find,  any  good  prospect  of  being  either  entirely  relieved,  or  of 
being  tolerably  well  supplied  within  a  reasonable  time.  A  great  part  of  the  troops 
on  the  2 1  st  &  22d  were  without  any  Supply  of  this  Article,  and  the  whole  on  one 
of  these  days;  and  Since,  those  that  have  received,  have  had  but  the  most  scanty 
pittance,  and  chiefly  such  as  has  been  exacted  from  the  exhausted  Stores  of  the 
Inhabitants.  The  circumstances  we  were  in  determined  me,  to  proceed  with  the 
Army  to  this  place  yesterday,  with  a  view  of  attempting  some  relief  from  a  Forage 
— and  we  have  now  parties  detached  into  the  Country  below,  into  Bergen  and 
Barbadoes  Necks,  to  collect  any  provision  that  may  be  there.  I  dont  expect  but 
little  Income  from  the  measure,  as  these  places  from  their  Contiguity  to  the 
Enemy,  will  probably  be  found  much  drained, — any  thing  however  will  be  accept- 
able, and  will  contribute  to  silence  the  complaints  of  the  Troops  I  have  written 
to  Governor  Trumbull  on  our  situation,  and  entreated  him  to  use  all  his  influence 
to  assist  us.  The  State  of  Flour  is  such,  as  to  afford  us  a  daily  supply,  but  even 
our  prospects  of  this  Article  are  by  no  means  such  as  to  make  it  certain  that  this 
will  be  the  case  long,  especially  if  we  are  obliged  to  continue  issuing  an  increased 
quantity  on  account  of  the  failure  of  meat." — Washington  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress, 24  August,  1 780. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  283 

You  will  think  it  strange  that  the  army  at  this  season  should  be 
starving,  but  I  can  assure  you  that  the  troops  previous  to  the  time 
above  mentioned,  and  while  that  party  were  out,  rec'd  no  meat. 
For  six  days  they  rec'd  only  ^  lb.  Pork  (for  meat),  and  that  was 
taken  by  force  from  the  inhabitants.  They  received  their  flour 
daily,  but  no  meat  but  what  I  mentioned  in  the  six  days.  Your 
own  feelings  will  be  too  keen  on  the  relation  without  their  being  ag- 
gravated by  one  who  was  a  sharer  in  the  distress. 

We  are  now  in  a  country  in  which  paper  money  is  not  worth  a 
straw.  We  have  nothing  but  what  the  Commissary  Store  affords  us 
&  God  knows  that  it  is  poor  enough ;  beef  sometimes  tho'  not  al- 
ways and  that  very  often  poor,  which  we  ought  not  to  expect  at  this 
season.  You  must  change  your  Congress,  that  new  system  may  be 
formed  for  your  army.     They  cannot  exist  as  an  army  otherwise. 

Make  my  love  to  Mr.  Webb  &  family,  Peter  Colt,  &c,  James 
Lockwood,  &c,  &  believe  me  to  be  yours,  &c. 

Eben.  Huntington. 


GENERAL  WASHINGTON  TO   MAJOR-GENERAL   LINCOLN. 

Head  Quarters,  10  September,  1780. 
Sir: 

By  a  letter  I  have  received  from  from  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  of  the 
4th  Instant,  I  find  that  the  interview,  which  has  been  proposed  be- 
tween you  and  General  Phillips,  is  to  take  place  on  the  19th  of  the 
month  at  Elizabeth  Town.  I  presume  Sir  Henry  Clinton  informed 
you  of  this  by  the  letter  I  now  transmit ;  and  I  need  not  add,  that  it 
will  give  me  the  highest  pleasure,  if  you  can  effect  your  exchange, 
either  for  Major-General  Phillips  or  Major- General  de  Riedesel. 

From  the  prospect  I  had,  founded  on  the  correspondence  which  I 
had  seen,  that  there  would  be  a  meeting  between  you  and  General 
Phillips  on  the  subject  of  your  exchange,  and  the  earnest  desire  I 
had  of  extending  this  business  still  farther,  I  was  induced  to  inform 
Sir  Henry  Clinton,  by  a  letter  of  the  26th  ulto.,  that  "I.  should 
direct  our  Commissary  of  prisoners  to  be  present  at  the  time,  who 
would  be  instructed  to  execute  with  the  Commissary  on  his  part,  if 
he  should  think  proper  to  send  him,  an  exchange  of  Officers,  prison- 
ers of  War,  on  the  footing  of  equal  rank  or  composition,  so  far  as  the 


284        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

number  in  our  hands  would  admit,  and  to  include  also  the  whole  of 
the  Officers  of  convention  now  on  parole  at  New  York  or  in  Europe." 
General  Clinton  has  answered  my  letter,  and  informed  me,  that 
"His  Commissary  of  prisoners  should  attend."  I  shall  accordingly 
order  Mr.  Skinner,  our  Deputy  Commissary  of  prisoners  to  be  at 
Elizabeth  Town  on  the  19th,  who  will  be  fully  instructed  to  carry  my 
propositions  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton  into  execution.  The  business,  as 
to  the  main  points,  will  rest  on  the  most  simple  footing,  and  such  as 
Mr.  Skinner  is  perfectly  acquainted  with.  He  has  also  a  familiar 
knowledge  of  the  few  more  particular  cases,  which  can  arise  on  the 
occasion,  as  he  has  been  long  in  office,  and  has  not  only  had  re- 
peated instructions,  but  has  acted  upon  the  subject.  From  these 
considerations,  I  will  not  give  you  any  trouble  in  the  matter,  more 
than  to  wish  you  to  interest  General  Phillips,  as  far  as  you  can  with 
propriety,  if  you  should  find  it  necessary,  to  promote  and  counten- 
ance the  exchanges,  which  are  mutually  interesting  to  both  parties. 
Before  you  set  out  for  Elizabeth  Town,  I  will  show  you  the  instruc- 
tions, Mr.  Skinner  will  receive.     I  am,  &c* 

G?  Washington. 

*  A  meeting  took  place  at  Elizabethtown,  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  above 
letter,  between  General  Lincoln  and  General  Phillips;  but  the  parties  could  not 
agree,  and  nothing  was  effected,  either  in  regard  to  the  personal  exchange  of  these 
two  officers,  or  a  general  exchange  proposed  in  the  instructions  to  Mr.  Skinner. 
There  was  a  misunderstanding  as  to  the  object  of  the  interview.  General  Phillips 
had  got  the  idea,  that  he  and  General  Lincoln  were  to  discuss  the  whole  subject 
of  exchanges,  and  also  the  appointment  of  commissaries  to  reside  with  the  respec- 
tive armies,  and  said  he  went  out  with  powers  to  that  extent;  whereas  General 
Lincoln  had  no  other  authority  than  to  make  an  arrangement  for  his  own  ex- 
change. "  I  shall  decline  giving  any  opinion  upon  this  fruitless  meeting,"  said 
General  Phillips  in  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  "  but  I  must  be  allowed  to 
acknowledge  my  extreme  surprise,  that  it  should  be  conceived  by  any  person 
necessary  for  General  Lincoln  and  myself  to  confer  upon  the  matter  of  his  partial 
and  personal  exchange,  which  depended  so  entirely  and  absolutely  upon  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  and  your  Excellency,  and  might  have  been  settled  by  the  receipt  and  re- 
turn of  a  letter  on  either  side." — Elizabethtown,  September  23d.  The  mistake 
was  on  the  part  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  because,  in  his  letter  on  the  subject  of  the 
meeting  for  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  he  had  said  that  Mr.  Loring,  the  commis- 
sary, would  be  sent  out  for  the  purpose,  and  had  not  mentioned  General  Phillips 
as  being  designed  to  take  any  other  part,  than  that  of  concerting  his  own  ex- 
change with  General  Lincoln.     He  wrote  a  letter  to  Washington  dated  the  19th, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  285 

GENERAL   WASHINGTON  TO   ABRAHAM   SKINNER.* 

Head-Quarters,  17  September,  1780. 
Sir: 

It  having  been  agreed  that  an  interview  should  take  place  at 
Elizabethtown  between  Major-Generals  Phillipps  and  Lincoln  on 
the  subject  of  their  exchange,  I  was  induced,  from  the  earnest 
desire  I  had  of  relieving  the  Prisoners  on  both  sides,  so  far  as  cir- 
cumstances would  admit,  and  in  compliance  with  the  directions  of 
Congress,  to  inform  His  Excellency  Sir  Henry  Clinton  on  the  26th 
ulto.,  that  "  I  should  direct  our  Commissary  of  Prisoners  to  attend 
at  Elizabethtown  at  the  same  time,  who  would  be  instructed  to  exe- 
cute with  the  Commissary  on  his  part,  if  he  should  think  proper  to 
send  him,  an  exchange  of  Officers,  Prisoners  of  War,  on  the  footing 
of  equal  rank,  or  composition,  as  far  as  the  number  in  our  hands 
would  admit,  and  to  include  also  the  whole  of  the  Officers  of  Con- 
vention on  parole  at  New  York,  or  in  Europe."  The  interview  be- 
tween the  two  Generals  is  to  be  on  the  19th  instant,  when  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  has  informed  me  in  answer  to  my  letter,  that  "  His  Com- 
missary should  attend." 

You  will,  therefore,  proceed  to  Elizabethtown,  on  the  15th  instant, 
and  meet  the  Commissary  on  the  part  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  or  other 
Officer  deputed  by  him,  with  whom  you  will  make,  or  endeavour  to 
make,  under  the  restrictions  and  exceptions  heretofore  mentioned, 
an  Exchange  of  a// the  Enemy's  Officers,  who  are  prisoners  of  War 
in  our  hands,  and  also  of  all  the  Officers  of  Convention  on  parole  in 
New  York,  or  in  Europe,  for  an  equal  number  of  ours  of  like  rank, 
according  to  the  order  of  their  captivity  ;  and,  when  the  principle  of 
equal  rank  will  not  apply,  you  will  exchange  them  on  the  footing  of 
composition;  confining  the  composition  to  Officers  only;  and  ac- 
cording to  the  value  or  tariff  treated  of  and  judged  reasonable  by 
the  Commissioners  at  the  last  meeting  at  Amboy.  In  the  Exchanges 
on  the  principle  of  composition,  our  Officers  next  in  rank  to  those 
belonging  to  the  Enemy's  Army,  who  cannot  be  exchanged  on  the 

the  day  on  which  the  meeting  took  place,  stating  that  he  had  entrusted  General 
Phillips  with  full  powers  respecting  the  business  of  exchange.    But  General  Wash- 
ington was  absent  when  the  latter  arrived  in  camp,  nor  was  it  received  till  it  was 
too  late  to  send  similar  powers  to  General  Lincoln. 
*  Deputy  Commissary-general  of  Prisoners. 


286         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

principle  of  equality,  are  to  be  included,  and  in  the  order  of  their 
captivity. 

The  above  are  the  general  rules,  by  which  you  are  to  conduct 
yourself  in  the  execution  of  the  proposed  business,  and  which  are  to 
operate  only  in  general  with  respect  to  our  Officers,  prisoners  in  this 
quarter,  and  for  their  benefit,  whose  long  captivity  gives  them  a  claim 
to  the  public's  first  attention.  There  is,  however,  besides  the  ex- 
change, which  it  is  hoped  Major-Genl.  Lincoln  will  effect  of  himself, 
either  for  Major-General  Phillips  or  Major-Genl.  Riedesel,  and 
which  falls  within  the  principle  of  equality,  the  case  of  Brigadr.-Genl. 
Duportail,  whose  release,  being  particularly  directed  by  Congress, 
must  be  attempted  and  effected,  either  upon  one  or  oth*er  of  the 
foregoing  principles,  tho'  it  would  be  best  if  it  could  be  obtained  on 
that  of  composition.  The  case  of  Lt.-Colo.  Ramsay  and  Connolly  is 
also  to  be  particulary  attended  to,  for  the  reasons  formerly  given  you, 
and  likewise  Col.  Webb's,  if  the  several  officers  taken  in  the  Eagle 
packet  are  comprehended  in  your  transactions,  &  which,  upon  every 
principle  of  justice,  ought  to  be  the  case.  If  there  are  any  other  in- 
stances of  Exchanges  out  of  the  general  and  customary  line,  about 
which  you  have  received  any  orders  from  Congress  or  the  Board  of 
War,  you  must  of  course  regard  them  and  comply  with  their  direc- 
tions, or  at  least  endeavour  to  carry  them  into  execution. 

You  are  perfectly  acquainted  with  all  the  circumstances  respecting 
Violators  of  parole,  and  know  who  have  been  adjudged  such,  and 
who  have  not,  and  the  order  and  manner  in  which  they  are  to  be 
accounted ;  and  also  the  characters  for  whom  we  do  not  conceive 
ourselves  accountable.  It  is  therefore  unnecessary  for  me  to  observe 
further  with  respect  to  these,  than  that  the  Instructions,  you  have 
had  repeatedly  concerning  them,  are  to  govern  you  on  the  present 
occasion.  We  have  in  Canada  a  Lieut.-Colonel  Stacey,  a  prisoner 
belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  line,  who  was  taken  at  Cherry  Valley 
on  the  nth  of  November,  1778.  Pie  is  to  be  added  to  your  list  of 
lt.-colonels,  and  exchanged  whenever  it  comes  to  his  turn,  having 
regard  to  the  time  of  his  captivity.  You  will  also  recollect  the  cap- 
tains, who  are  Hostages,  and  endeavour  at  their  release. 

An  exchange  of  all  the  Officers,  prisoners  of  War  in  our  hands, 
and  also  of  all  the  Convention  Officers  on  parole  in  New  York  or 
Europe,  is  what  is  earnestly  wished.     But  if  you  find  you  cannot 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  287 

make  it  so  general  as  to  comprehend  the  whole,  make  it  as  extensive 
as  you  can.  You  will  report  your  proceedings  to  me  and  the  Ex- 
changes you  may  make,  specifying  the  names  and  ranks  of  the 
Officers  on  both  sides.  I  have  mentioned  your  Instructions  to 
Major-General  Lincoln,  who  will  facilitate  the  execution  of  the 
Objects  to  which  they  extend,  as  far  as  he  can,  by  endeavouring  to 
get  General  Phillips  to  countenance  the  business  either  wholly  or 
partially,  if  it  should  be  necessary.    *    *    *    I  am,  dear  Sir,  &c* 

G?  Washington 


,  ABRAHAM    SKINNER  TO   JOSHUA   LORING. 

Eliza  Town,  Sept.  21,  1780. 
Sir: 

Agreeable  to  his  Excellency  General  Washington's  instructions  to 
me,  I  am  to  propose  to  you  the  exchange  of  all  your  officers,  who 
are  prisoners  of  war  in  our  hands,  and  also  of  all  the  officers  of  con- 
vention on  parole  in  New  York  or  in  Europe,  for  an  equal  number 
of  ours  of  like  rank,  and  according  to  the  order  of  their  captivity ; 
and  where  the  principle  of  equal  rank  will  not  apply,  I  will  exchange 
them  on  the  footing  of  equal  composition,  confining  the  composition 
to  officers  only,  and,  according  to  the  value  or  tariff  treated  of,  and 
judged  reasonable  by  the  Commissioners  at  the  last  meeting  at 
Amboy. 

That  in  the  exchange,  on  the  principle  of  composition,  our  officers 
next  in  rank  to  those  belonging  to  your  army,  who  cannot  be  ex- 
changed on  the  principle  of  equality,  are  to  be  included,  &  in  the 
order  of  their  captivity. 

These  are  the  general  principles,  by  which  I  am  to  be  governed 
in  the  execution  of  the  proposed  business,  and  which  are  to  operate 
only,  in  general,  with  respect  to  our  officers,  prisoners  in  this  quar- 

*  Mr.  Skinner  met  the  British  commissary,  but  they  could  not  agree  upon  any 
plan  of  exchange  within  the  range  of  the  above  instructions.  Mr.  Loring,  the 
British  commissary,  said  the  proposals  would  be  accepted  if  the  privates  then 
prisoners  in  New  York  were  included.  On  the  8th  of  October,  General  Wash- 
ington wrote  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton :  "  This  is  perfectly  agreeable  to  me,  and  I 
have  accordingly  directed  our  commissary  to  take  the  most  effectual  and  immedi- 
ate measures  to  carry  into  execution  the  exchange  as  well  as  those  privates  as  of 
the  officers." 


288        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

ter,  and  for  their  benefit,  whose  long  captivity  gives  them  a  claim  to 
the  public's  first  attention. 

There  is,  however,  the  exchange  of  Brigadier  Gen\  Duportail  and 
Lieut.  Col.  Laurens,  who  were  taken  at  Charleston,  which  I  am  also 
directed  to  make ;  and  also  the  exchange  of  Col.  Webb  and  Lieut. 
Col.  Ramsay,  upon  the  terms  heretofore  proposed. 

It  is  wished,  that  the  exchange  of  all  the  officers,  prisoners  of  war 
in  our  hands,  and  also  of  all  the  convention  officers  on  parole  in  New 
York  or  Europe  may  take  place,  but  if  we  cannot  make  it  so  general 
as  to  comprehend  the  whole,  we  will  make  it  as  extensive  as  we  can. 

I  am,  Sir, 

Ab?*  Skinner, 
Corny  Genl  Pris.* 


JOSHUA   LORING    TO   ABRAHAM   SKINNER. 

Elizabeth  Town,  22  Sept.  1780. 
Sir: 

You  must  naturally  imagine,  how  much  I  have  been  surprised,  at 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  dated  yesterday,  containing  proposals  of  a 
general  exchange  of  the  officers  prisoners  of  war,  without  any  con- 
sideration of  the  unfortunate  privates ;  you  will  please  to  recollect 
that  the  proposal  of  the  exchange  of  the  American  privates,  pris- 
oners of  war  in  New  York,  came  first  from  you  in  last  February,  on 
which  an  express  vessel  was  dispatched  to  his  Excellency  Sir  Henry 
Clinton,  in  South  Carolina,  for  his  orders  concerning  this  matter, 
which  were  obtained  early  in  May ;  on  the  sixth  of  which  month,  I 
writ  you,  consenting  to  an  exchange  of  the  privates,  as  far  as  the 
American  privates,  prisoners  of  war  in  New  York  went,  as  also  of  all 
the  officers,  rank  for  rank,  or  otherwise  by  composition,  where  simi- 
lar ranks  did  not  apply.  This  offer  for  an  exchange  of  officers  and 
privates  was  repeated  in  the  month  of  June,  by  the  orders  of  the 
king's  commander  in  chief  in  America,  he  being  arrived  at  that 
time  from  South  Carolina  at  New  York.  Some  time  in  July,  you 
proposed  an  exchange  of  officers  without  privates,  &  desired  a  meet- 
ing with  me  at  Staten  Island,  to  adjust  any  doubtful  matters,  that 

*  From  the  Sparks  MSS.  in  Harvard  University. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  289 


might  arise  upon  the  subject.  Willing,  on  my  part,  to  do  any  thing  for 
the  humane  purpose  of  an  exchange,  which  his  Excellency  Sir  Henry 
Clinton  had  expressed  to  have  very  fully  at  heart,  I  obtained  per- 
mission  to  meet  you,  but  unfortunately,  finding  you  positively  in- 
structed not  to  make  any  exchange  of  the  privates,  prisoners  of  war,, 
I  was  under  the  necessity  of  informing  you,  that  I  could  not  engage 
in  a  business  that  had  so  inhuman  a  conclusion.  I  repeat,  therefore,, 
my  surprise,  that  you  should  meet  me  again  at  this  place  with  the 
same  ungenerous  proposals. 

I  have  now,  on  my  part  to  inform  you,  that  I  am  prepared  and 
ready  to  make  an  exchange  with  you  of  all  the  British  and  German 
officers,  prisoners  of  war  in  your  hands,  for  an  equal  number  of 
American  officers,  prisoners  of  war  on  Long  Island,  rank  for  rank, 
and  when  similar  ranks  will  not  apply,  to  pursue  the  exchange,  on 
the  footing  of  composition,  according  to  the  value  or  tariff  treated 
of  and  adjudged  reasonable,  by  the  commissioners  at  Amboy  ;  and 
that,  in  the  exchange,  on  the  principle  of  composition,  the  officers, 
next  in  rank  to  those  who  cannot  be  exchanged  on  the  principle  of 
equality,  may  be  included,  and  that  General  Washington's  principle 
of  justice,  respecting  the  American  officers,  prisoners  of  war  first 
taken,  to  be  first  exchanged,  may  be  pursued.  In  this  exchange, 
will  also  be  included  such  officers,  prisoners  of  war,  as  are  on  parole 
on  both  sides,  as  also  the  American  officers,  violators  of  parole,  in 
their  order  of  capture. 

I  am  also  instructed  and  directed  to  make  the  exchange  with  you 
of  the  officers  of  the  troops  of  Convention,  who  are  on  parole  in  New 
York,  or  in  Europe,  and  also  of  the  officers  taken  on  board  the  Eagle 
packet,  with  an  exception  to  Major  Gen!  de  Riedesel,  Major  Gen! 
Phillips,  and  Lieut.  Gen!  Burgoyne,  and,  on  the  subject  of  these  offi- 
cers, I  am  ordered  to  inform  you,  however  it  may  happen  respecting 
the  immediate  exchange  of  the  two  Major  Gen!s ,  that  of  Lieut.  Gen! 
Burgoyne  cannot  come  into  contemplation,  or  be  admitted  of,  until 
two  complete  divisions  of  the  troops  of  convention  are  exchanged, 
agreeable  to  a  plan  conversed  upon,  between  the  commissioners  at 
the  last  meeting  at  Amboy,  copies  of  which  plans  of  exchange,  the 
commissioners  on  both  sides  had,  for  the  perusal  of  their  superiors. 
Lieut.  Genl.  Burgoyne  can  only,  therefore,  be  exchanged  with  the 
third  or  last  division  of  the  troops  of  convention. 


290        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  am  to  inform  you  that  this  exchange  of  officers,  as  now  proposed 
by  me,  can  only  take  place  with  the  exchange  of  privates,  prisoners 
of  war  on  both  sides,  as  far  as  the  number  of  the  American  privates, 
prisoners  of  war  now  in  New  York,  and  according  to  the  plan,  given 
by  me  to  you,  in  my  letter  of  May  and  June  last,  upon  this  subject. 

I  am  also  further  to  inform  you,  that  I  came  to  Elizabethtown, 
prepared  to  settle  with  you  the  plan  for  the  immediate  exchange  of 
the  British  and  German  troops,  under  the  treaty  of  Convention  of 
Saratoga,  against  the  American  troops,  under  Major-General  Lincoln 
taken  at  the  surrender  of  Charleston,  upon  which  subject,  Major- 
General  Lincoln  and  Major-Gen1.  Phillips  have  met  at  Elizabethtown. 

I  have  been  ordered  to  pursue  this,  under  the  instructions  of 
Major-Gen1.  Phillips,  who  directs  me  to  inform  you,  that  he  is  ready 
to  give  me  full  authority  and  advice  upon  this  matter,  for  the  carry- 
ing such  an  exchange  into  immediate  act ;  supposing  you  to  have 
any  powers  from  your  superiors  to  enter  upon  that  business. 

The  making  a  general  exchange,  of  both  officers  and  privates,  is  so 
full  of  that  humanity  and  generosity,  which  ought  to  subsist  between 
armies,  that  I  will  not  expatiate  upon  it ;  nor  need  I  enlarge,  upon 
the  constant  attention  we  have  had,  to  carry  those  compassionate 
purposes  into  execution,  it  will  be  left  to  a  dispassionate  world  to 
judge  of. 

But  I  am  to  inform  you,  that  after  having  kept  a  considerable  part 
of  your  prisoners  of  war,  for  above  twelve  months,  at  New  York,  and 
the  whole  above  six,  at  a  very  great  inconveniency,  and  at  a  still 
greater  expense ;  it  becomes  necessary,  that  we  should  be  released 
from  both  the  one  and  the  other,  and,  if  your  superiors  are  cruel 
enough  not  to  suffer  the  men  who  fight  their  battles,  to  be  ex- 
changed, we  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  sending  them  to  some 
other  parts,  where  they  may  be  lodged  and  fed,  under  every  descrip- 
tion of  humanity,  but  without  being  of  that  inconveniency  and  ex- 
pense, as  I  have  before  observed,  they  are  to  us,  in  their  present 
situation.  I  am  &c 

Josh*  Loring 

Com1?  Gen1  Pris.* 

*  From  Sparks  MSS.  in  Harvard  University. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  291 

MAJOR-GENERAL   LINCOLN  TO    GENERAL    WASHINGTON. 

Camp,  25th  September,  1780. 
My  dear  General  : 

I  take  this  early  opportunity  to  inform  Your  Excellency  that,  in 
the  late  interview,  no  exchanges  took  place,  and  that  I  see  little 
prospect  that  any  will  be  effected,  while  the  Idea  remains,  that  offi- 
cers only  are  to  be  the  subject  of  it. 

In  the  course  of  Consideration  with  General  Phillips,  (for  nothing 
more  took  place  between  us  relative  to  a  general  exchange  of 
Prisoners  as  I  early  informed  him  that  I  was  not  authorized  to  go  in- 
to that  matter)  I  found  that  he  supposed  the  reason,  why  we  de- 
clined the  exchange  of  privates  was,  that  we  were  unwilling  to  throw 
into  their  hands,  in  the  middle  of  a  Campaign,  such  a  reinforcement 
as  they  would  receive  by  an  Exchange  of  all  the  privates — To  obvi- 
ate this  difficulty  he  mentioned,  that  the  exchange  of  privates  might 
be  postponed  to  some  future  day,  say  the  first  of  December,  sooner 
or  later  as  should  be  agreed  on,  but  so  as  not  to  Act  this  Campaign 
— This  I  hope  will  remove  the  objections  which  have  existed  against 
a  general  Exchange  of  privates — I  think  policy — justice  and  human- 
ity point  to  the  propriety  of  exchanging  them,  if  not  Immediately, 
yet  at  the  close  of  the  campaign.  Your  Excellency  will  permit  me 
to  offer  the  reasons  on  which  I  ground  this  opinion. 

The  Men  now  prisoners  of  War  (excuse  the  personality  of  my 
situation)  are  those,  who,  from  an  attachment  to  the  Liberties  of 
America  engaged  in  her  cause,  from  a  reliance,  that  they  should  not 
only  find  every  support  from  their  fellow  Citizens  in  the  important 
contest,  but  that  they  should  enjoy  all  the  immunities  and  blessings 
peculiar  to  the  Soldier,  in  the  power  of  the  people  to  grant — that  an 
Exchange,  when  made  prisoner,  is  one  of  the  rights  of  a  Soldier, 
none  I  think  will  deny — and  that  he  may  claim  a  release  when  just 
and  reasonable  Terms  can  be  had. 

The  long  and  distressing  Captivity  which  many  of  the  prisoners 
have  endured,  the  severe  sufferings  to  which  many  of  them  are  now 
reduced  from  nakedness  and  hunger,  their  constant  attendants,  and 
the  want  of  almost  every  convenience  and  necessary  of  life,  the  mis- 
eries of  which  are  augmented  and  embittered  by  the  narrow  limits 
of  a  loathsome  Gaol,  and  their  having  no  assurance  that  their 
sufferings  will  soon  have  an  end — call  for  redress. 


292        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

The  prisoners  pained  with  regret  became  sore — their  minds  are 
soured,  and  their  friends  and  connexions  think  them  neglected  by 
the  public.  This  may  prevent  the  recruiting  our  Battalions,  and 
cause  a  disrelish  for  the  service.  Every  thing  of  the  kind,  I  think, 
should  be  avoided,  and  never  more  necessary  than  at  the  present 
day,  when  it  seems  to  be  the  general  voice  that  our  only  safety  and 
the  Freedom  of  America  (under  the  Supreme  Arbiter)  depend  on 
an  Army  raised  for  the  War.  If  we  should  refuse  to  exchange  the 
privates  on  the  proposals  made  of  man  for  man,  it  must,  I  think, 
operate  Powerfully  on  the  minds  of  those,  who  other  wise  might 
engage  in  the  service,  when  they  reflect  how  uncertain  are  the  events 
of  War,  and  that  it  may  be  their  lot  to  become  the  prisoner,  and  to 
be  destined  to  a  miserable  and  perhaps  to  an  endless  Captivity :  and 
when  the  Enemy  shall  have  published  their  Declaration  of  our 
refusal  to  accede  to  an  equal  and  fair  Exchange,  we  may  find  it  a 
matter  of  much  difficulty  to  justify  ourselves  to  the  World  at  large, 
who  will  naturally  enough  suspect  us  of  injustice,  in  not  fulfilling  our 
public  engagements,  as  they  will  accuse  us  of  wanting  humanity  in 
neglecting  those  very  Men,  who  have  stepped  forth  to  arrest  our 
rights. 

The  daily  decreasing  of  the  number  of  the  Convention  Troops,  by 
deserting  to  the  Enemy,  for  which  we  have  no  Compensation,  and 
the  great  Expence  to  which  we  are  exposed  for  the  support  of  them, 
and  of  our  Officers  and  Men  Prisoners  of  War  with  the  Enemy,  must 
have  their  weight  in  urging  to  the  propriety  of  an  Exchange. — 

To  the  foregoing  reasons,  in  my  humble  opinion  sufficient  of 
themselves,  permit  me  to  annex  an  apprehension  for  our  unfortunate 
Prisoners  now  in  New  York.  The  Enemy,  supposing  themselves 
authorized  by  our  refusal  of  an  Exchange,  may  under  pretence  of 
economising  Provisions,  providing  for  their  own  safety,  or  some 
other  plausible  reason,  have  our  Prisoners  removed  to  some  distant 
and  consequently  disagreeable  situation,  where  they  may  be  sub- 
jected to  less  expence  &£  Should  an  event  of  this  kind  take  place, 
retaliation  is  hardly  in  our  power,  as  all  parts  of  the  Continent  are 
equally  agreeable  to  the  British. 

I  hope,  Sir,  on  a  review  of  the  matter,  as  the  objection  of  re- 
inforcing the  Enemy  this  Campaign  is  removed,  a  general  exchange 
will  be  adopted,  by  which,  many  of  your  Officers  and  Men,  now 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  293 

suffering  under  the  most  miserable  Captivity,  will  be  released,  and 
once  more  have  the  honor  of  fighting  under  Your  Excellency's  par- 
ticular Command,  in  support  of  that  Independence  of  America, 
which  induced  them  to  quit  the  sweets  of  a  domestic  life  for  the 
toils  of  a  Camp,  which  no  one  will  re-enter  with  more  cheerfulness 
than  him  who  has  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  Esteem  Your 
Excellency's  most  obe1.  &  houn.  Ser* 

B.  Lincoln. 


FROM    MAJOR   TALLMADGE. 

Headquarters,  Tappan,  Sept.  30th,  1780. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  must  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  two  favors  of  the  12th  and 
16th  inst. ;  am  sorry  I  did  not  receive  them  in  season,  that  I  might 
have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  on  your  way  to  New  Jersey. 
Benton  has  gone  into  New  York  with  the  horses,  etc.,  agreeable  to 
your  request. 

You  have  doubtless  heard  before  this  of  the  rascally  conduct  of 
Arnold.  He  has  gone  to  the  enemy,  where  I  think  his  misery,  which 
must  ensue,  will  be  complete.  Poor  Andre,  who  has  been  under  my 
charge  almost  ever  since  he  was  taken,  has  yesterday  had  his  trial, 
and  tho'  his  sentence  is  not  known,  a  disgraceful  death  is  undoubt- 
edly allotted  to  him.  By  Heavens  !  Col.  Webb,  I  never  saw  a  man 
whose  fate  I  foresaw,  whom  I  so  sincerely  pitied.  He  is  a  young 
fellow  of  the  greatest  accomplishments,  and  was  the  Prime  Minister 
of  Sir  Henry  on  all  occasions.  He  has  unbosomed  his  heart  to  me, 
and  indeed,  let  me  know  almost  every  motive  of  his  actions  so  fully 
since  he  came  out  on  his  late  mission  that  he  has  endeared  himselt 
to  me  exceedingly.  Unfortunate  man  !  He  will  undoubtedly  suffer 
death  tomorrow,  and  tho'  he  knows  his  fate,  seems  to  be  as  cheerful 
as  if  he  was  going  to  an  assembly.  I  am  sure  he  will  go  to  the  gal- 
lows less  tearful  for  his  fate,  and  with  less  concern  than  I  shall  be- 
hold the  tragedy.*   Had  he  been  tried  by  a  Court  of  ladies,  he  is  so 

*  "  I  am  thus  far  [Haverstraw]  on  my  Return  from  Head  Quarters,  where  I 
have  finished  my  last  Duty  to  poor  Andre,  of  whom  I  wrote  you  particularly  be- 
fore. I  have  begged  this  scrap  of  paper  of  Genl  Wayne  ...  to  inform  you  that 
Major  Andre  was  hanged  on  the  2d  instant,   12  o'clock.     His  conduct  was  un- 


294         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


genteel,  handsome,  polite  a  young  gentleman,  that  I  am  confident 
they  would  have  acquitted  him. 

But  enough  of  poor  Andre,  who,  tho'  he  dies  lamented,  falls  justly. 
I  am  happy  to  find  he  has  wrote  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  in  which  let- 
ters he  speaks  highly  of  our  treatment  towards  him,  and  takes  off  the 
idea  of  his  being  under  sanction  of  a  flag  when  he  was  taken,  which 
has  been  told  by  Arnold  to  Sir  Henry,  that  our  conduct  in  punishing 
might  be  censurable.  I  think  that  his  letter  to  General  Clinton  will 
effectually  ruin  Arnold  with  the  enemy. 

Jos.  Smith,  an  accomplice  with  Arnold,  I  also  bro't  on  with  me ; 
he  is  now  under  trial.* 

paralleled  on  the  occasion.  He  met  death  with  a  smile,  chearfully  marching  to  the 
place  of  execution,  &  bidding  his  friends,  those  who  had  been  with  him,  farewell. 
He  called  me  to  him  a  few  minutes  before  he  swung  off,  and  expressed  his  Grati- 
tude to  me  for  my  Civilities  in  such  a  way,  and  so  chearfully  bid  me  adieu,  that  I 
Was  obliged  to  leave  the  parade  in  a  flood  of  Tears.  I  cannot  say  enough  of  his 
fortitude — unfortunate  youth;  I  wish  Arnold  had  been  in  his  place."  Major 
Tallmadge  to  Col.  Wadsworth,  4  October,  1 780. 

*  Joshua  Hett  Smith  was  tried  for  connection  with  Arnold,  and  suspected  com- 
plicity in  his  treasonable  relations  with  Andre.  On  the  last  meeting  between  the 
American  general  and  the  agent  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  Andre  was  taken  to  Smith's 
house,  where  he  remained  a  day,  expecting  to  return  to  the  Vulture,  a  British 
vessel  then  lying  in  the  river.  Andre  was  in  British  uniform,  and  as  it  was 
thought  necessary  to  disguise  him,  Smith  lent  him  one  of  his  own  coats,  retaining 
the  British  coat,  which  was  afterwards  produced  at  his  trial.  In  the  Reminis- 
cences of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb  is  noted  the  following  tradition : 

"  My  uncle,  John  Webb,  a  Captain  of  Cavalry,  was,  like  my  father,  a  frequent 
visitor  of  the  Beekman  Manor  House,  during  the  campaign  on  the  Hudson;  and 
having  slept  there  on  one  occasion,  Mrs.  Beekman  says,  '  On  leaving  in  the  morn- 
ing, he  said  to  me,  "  I  leave  my  valise,  which  contains  all  the  money  I  have  and 
my  uniform.  I'll  send  for  it;  but  do  not  deliver  it  without  a  written  order  from 
me."  On  the  following  morning,  I  heard  John  Smith  [an  error  for  Joshua],  a 
neighbor,  whom  I  always  suspected,  ask  my  husband  for  Major  Jack's  valise ;  and 
he  told  me  to  get  it  from  the  Major's  bedroom.  I  called  out,  enquiring  of  Smith, 
if  he  had  a  written  order  from  Major  Jack,  for  the  valise?  He  answered,  "No; 
but  you  cannot  doubt  that  he  sent  me."  I  told  him  he  was  a  good-for-nothing 
fellow;  and  bade  him  go  about  his  business.  It  subsequently  turned  out,  that 
Smith,  at  that  moment,  had  charge  of  Major  Andre,  and  wanted  Major  Jack's 
uniform,  in  order  that  he  might  pass  our  lines  as  an  American  officer.  Andr6  was 
arrested  on  the  following  morning.' " 

The  following  letter  from  Joshua  King,  a  lieutenant  in  Sheldon's  regiment  of 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  295 

Of  news  we  are  entirely  bare.  I  conclude  you  are  so  taken  up  with 
the  agreeable  prospect  of  connubial  life  that  you  can  hardly  pay 
attention  enough  to  read  a  letter  from  your  friend — a  man  who 
would  not  risk  anything  for  such  a  Banker  would  deserve  never  to 

Light  Dragoons,  is  little  known,  and  mentions  a  casual  meeting,  without  recogni- 
tion, between  Andre  and  Colonel  Webb : — 

Ridgefield,  July  9th,  181 7. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  the  9th  is  before  me.  I  have  noted  the  contents,  and  am  sorry  to 
observe  the  indignity  I  feel  at  the  idea  of  being  obliged  to  translate  a  foreign  lan- 
guage to  obtain  a  true  history  of  any  part  of  our  revolution.  The  facts,  so  far  as 
I  am  acquainted  with  them,  which  it  is  the  object  of  your  letter  to  obtain,  I  will 
state  according  to  the  best  of  my  recollection. 

Paulding,  Williams  and  Van  Wert  I  never  saw  before,  or  since  that  event.  I 
know  nothing  about  them.  The  time  and  place  where  they  stopped  Major  Andre, 
seems  to  justify  the  character  you  have  drawn  of  them.  The  truth  is,  to  the  im- 
pudence of  the  men,  and  not  to  the  patriotism  of  any  one,  is  to  be  attributed  the 
capture  of  Major  Andre.  I  was  the  first,  and  only  officer,  who  had  charge  of  him 
whilst  at  the  Head  Quarters  of  the  2d  Regiment  of  Light  Dragoons,  which  was 
then  at  Esq.  Gilbert's  in  South  Salem.  He  was  brought  up  by  an  adjutant  and 
four  men,  belonging  to  the  Connecticut  Militia,  then  under  the  command  of 
Lieut.  Colonel  Jameson  on  the  lines  near  Tarrytown,  in  character  under  the  dis- 
guised name  of  John  Anderson.  He  looked  somewhat  like  a  reduced  gentleman, 
His  small  clothes  were  Nankeen,  with  handsome  whitetop  Boots — in  fact  his  un- 
dress military  Clothes.  His  Coat  purple,  with  gold  lace,  worn  somewhat  thread- 
bare, with  a  small  brimmed  tarnished  Beaver  on  his  head.  He  wore  his  hair  in  a 
queue,  with  a  long  black  beard,  and  his  clothes  somewhat  dirty.  In  this  garb  I 
took  charge  of  him.  After  breakfast  my  Barber  came  in  to  dress  me,  after  which 
I  requested  him  to  undergo  the  same  operation,  which  he  did.  When  the  ribbon 
was  taken  from  his  hair  I  observed  it  full  of  powder;  this  circumstance  with 
others  that  occurred,  induced  me  to  believe  I  had  no  ordinary  person  in  charge. 
He  requested  permission  to  take  the  Bed  whilst  his  Shirt  and  Small  Clothes  could 
be  washed.  I  told  him  that  was  needless,  for  a  Shirt  was  at  his  service,  which  he 
accepted.  We  were  close  pent  up  in  a  bed-room,  with  a  Vidette  at  the  door  and 
window.  There  was  a  spacious  yard  before  the  door,  which  he  desired  he  might 
be  permitted  to  walk  in  with  me.  I  accordingly  disposed  of  my  guard  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  prevent  an  escape.  While  walking  together  he  observed  he  must 
make  a  confident  of  somebody,  and  he  knew  not  a  more  proper  person  than  my- 
self, as  I  had  appeared  to  befriend  a  stranger  in  distress.  After  settling  the  point 
between  ourselves,  he  told  me  who  he  was,  and  gave  me  a  short  account  of  him- 
self, from  the  time  he  was  taken  in  St.  John's  in  1775,  to  that  time.  He  re- 
quested a  pen  and  ink,  and  wrote  immediately  to  Gen.  Washington,  declaring 
who  he  was.  About  midnight  the  express  returned  with  orders  from  Gen.  Wash- 
ington to  Col.  Sheldon  to  send  Major  Andre  immediately  to  Head  Quarters.     I 


296         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

be  happy.  All  must  approve  your  choice ;  but  you  only  will  be 
benefitted  by  the  bargain.  God  bless  you,  and  if  I  believed  she  re- 
membered me  as  well  as  I  do  her,  I  would  send  her  a  thousand 
compliments. 

started  with  him,  and  before  I  got  to  North  Salem  Meeting  House  met  another 
Express  with  a  Letter  directed  to  the  Officer  commanding  the  party  who  had 
Major  Andre  in  charge.  This  Letter  directed  a  circuitous  route  to  Head  Quarters, 
for  fear  of  re-capture. — Gave  an  account  of  Arnold's  desertion,  &c,  with  direc- 
tions to  forward  the  Letter  to  Col.  Sheldon,  and  I  did  so;   and  before  I  got  to  the 

end  of  my  journey  I  was  joined  by  Capt. and  after  by  Maj.  Tallmadge  and 

Capt.  Rogers. 

Having  given  you  this  clue,  I  proceed  with  the  Major's  own  story.  He  said  he 
came  up  the  North  River  in  the  Vulture  Sloop  of  War,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing 
a  person  by  Flag; — that  was  not,  however,  accomplished:  of  course  he  had  to 
come  ashore  in  a  Skiff,  and  after  he  had  done  his  business,  the  wind  was  so  high, 
the  Dutchman  who  took  him  ashore  dare  not  venture  to  return  him  on  board. 
The  night  following  the  Militia  had  lined  the  shore,  so  that  no  attempt  could  be 
made  with  safety.  Consequently  he  was  obliged  to  shift  his  Clothes,  and  was  fur- 
nished with  a  Continental  Horse,  and  Gen.  Arnold's  pass,  and  was  to  take  a  route 
by  Peekskill,  Crampound,  Pines  Bridge,  Sing  Sing,  Tarrytown,  to  New  York. 

Nothing  could  disturb  him  in  his  route,  until  he  arrived  at  the  last  place,  except- 
ing at  Crampound;  he  told  me  his  hair  stood  erect,  and  his  heart  was  in  his 
mouth,  on  meeting  Col.  Samuel  B.  Webb,  of  our  army,  plump  in  the  face — an  ac- 
quaintance of  his.  He  said  the  Colonel  stared  at  him,  and  he  thought  he  was 
gone,  but  they  kept  moving,  and  soon  passed  each  other.  He  then  thought  him- 
self passed  all  danger.  Whilst  ruminating  on  his  good  luck,  and  his  hair  breadth 
escape,  he  was  assailed  by  three  bushmen  near  Tarrytown,  who  ordered  him  to 
stand.  He  says  to  them,  I  hope,  gentlemen,  you  belong  to  the  lower  party.  We 
do,  says  one.  So  do  I,  says  he,  and  by  the  token  of  this  ring  and  key  you  will  let 
me  pass.  I  am  a  British  Officer  on  business  of  importance,  and  must  not  be  de- 
tained. One  of  them  took  his  watch  from  him,  and  ordered  him  to  dismount. 
The  moment  this  was  done,  he  said  he  found  he  was  mistaken,  and  he  must  shift 
his  tone,  He  says,  I  am  happy,  gentlemen,  to  find  1  am  mistaken.  You  belong 
to  the  upper  party,  and  so  do  I.  A  man  must  make  use  of  any  shift  to  get  along, 
and  to  convince  you  of  it,  here  is  Gen.  Arnold's  pass,  handing  it  to  them,  and  I 
am  in  his  service.  Damn  Arnold's  pass  says  they.  You  said  you  was  a  British 
Officer;  where  is  your  money?  Gentlemen  I  have  none  about  me,  he  replied. 
You  a  British  Officer,  and  no  money,  says  they.  Let's  search  him.  They  did  so, 
but  found  none.  Says  one,  he  has  got  his  money  in  his  boots,  and  there  they 
found  his  papers,  but  no  money.  Then  they  examined  his  saddle,  but  found  none. 
He  said,  he  saw  they  had  such  a  thirst  for  money,  he  could  put  them  in  a  way  to 
get  it,  if  they  would  be  directed  by  him.  He  asked  them  to  name  their  sum  for 
to  deliver  him  to  King's  Bridge.  They  answered  him  in  this  way.  If  we  deliver 
you  at  King's  Bridge,  we  shall  be  sent  to  the  Sugar  House,  and  you  will  save  your 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  297 

To  your  Sister  Hetty  please  make  my  compliments,  and  to  any 
person  of  my  acquaintance. 

In  haste,  believe  me,  Your  friend,  and  most  Obedient  servant, 

Ben j.  Tallmadge.* 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Camp  Tappan,  1st  October,  '80. 
Dear  Webb  : 

Your  favor  of  Yesterday's  date  was  handed  me  last  Even?  very  un- 
expected, for  which  I  thank  Miss  Banker.     You  ask  about  Arnold,  I 

money.  He  says  to  them,  if  you  will  not  trust  my  honor,  two  of  you  may  stay 
with  me,  and  one  shall  go  with  a  letter  which  I  shall  write.  Name  your  sum. 
The  sum  was  agreed  upon,  but  I  cannot  recollect  whether  it  was  five  hundred  or 
a  thousand  guineas,  the  latter  I  think  was  the  sum.  They  held  a  consultation  a 
considerable  time,  and  finally  they  told  him,  if  he  wrote,  a  party  would  be  sent  out 
and  take  them,  and  then  they  all  should  be  prisoners.  They  said  they  had  con- 
cluded to  take  him  to  the  commanding  Officer  on  the  lines.  They  did  so,  and 
retained  the  Watch,  until  Gen.  Washington  sent  for  them  to  Tappen,  when  the 
Watch  was  restored  to  Maj.  Andre.  Thus  you  see,  had  money  been  at  command 
after  the  imprudent  confession  of  Maj.  Andre,  or  any  security  given  that  the  patri- 
ots could  put  confidence  in,  he  might  have  passed  on  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton's 
Head  Quarters,  with  all  his  papers,  and  Arnold's  papers  into  the  bargain.  I  do 
not  recollect  to  have  seen  a  true  statement  of  this  business  in  any  history  that  has 
fallen  into  my  hands. 

If  my  memory  serves  me,  Arnold  solicited  and  obtained  the  command  at  West 
Point,  in  consequence  of  his  being  an  invalid;  and  the  reason  why  his  negocia- 
tion  was  not  completed  by  Flag  of  Truce,  I  will  state  what  Gen.  Washington  told 
to  the  French  Embassador,  Luzerne. 

He  started  on  his  route  to  Hartford,  and  dined,  with  Gen.  Arnold,  at  Haver- 
straw  at  Joshua  Smith's  where  Arnold  and  Andre  met.  Gen.  Arnold  showed  him 
a  Letter  from  Gen.  Robinson  directed  to  Gen.  Putnam,  or  Officer  commanding 
West  Point,  requesting  an  interview  by  Flag  on  business  of  the  first  importance  to 
the  United  States.  Gen.  Arnold  asked  Gen.  Washington  if  he  should  go  and 
hear  what  he  had  to  say.  Gen.  Washington  replied  that  it  would  be  very  im- 
proper for  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  a  Post  to  meet  anybody  himself.  He  could 
send  a  trusty  hand  if  he  thought  proper.  But  he  added,  I  had  no  more  suspicion 
of  Arnold  than  I  had  of  myself.  This  accounts  for  Maj.  Andre's  failure  by  Flag, 
and  his  subsequent  movements. 

I  have  thus  far  complied  with  your  request,  giving  you  such  facts,  viz :  What  I 
have  heard  from  the  mouth  of  Maj.  Andre,  and  what  I  heard  Gen.  Washington 
tell  the  French  Minister  soon  after  the  execution  of  Maj.  Andr6. 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  297. 


298        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

can  only  say  that  last  Saturday  he  deserted  to  the  Enemy  without 
Compleating  his  hellish  Plott,  which  was  to  deliver  up  the  Post  at  W. 
Point.  MT.  Andre  of  the  Brittish  Army,  an  Aid  to  Sir  Henry  &  Ad'. 
Gen1,  to  the  Army  at  the  Request  of  Arnold  sent  from  N.  York  to 
meet  Arnold  which  he  did  at  Joshua  Smith's  and  there  rec4  every 
plan  &  return  from  Arnold  which  he  wanted. — On  his  return  to  N. 
York  he  was  taken  below  all  our  fixt  Guards,  by  two  persons  who  live 
by  Plunder  on  the  Enemy  &  had  Virtue  Sufif*  to  withstand  every 
offer  of  reward  he  would  make,  or  any  threat  for  refusing  to  let  him 
pass  altho  he  had  a  Permit  from  Arnold.  It  was  the  most  fortunate 
train  of  good  fortune  in  detecting  Arnold  that  could  Possibly  have 
happen*?  — the  Particulars  which  you  wish  would  take  a  Volume,  &  I 
am  utterly  unable  at  this  time  to  give  them  to  you  Correctly.  Sam1. 
Wyllys  hath  not  been  gone  two  hours — &  Epaphras  Bull  lies  snoring 
on  the  Ground.  Gen1  Lincoln  was  not  able  when  he  met  MT.  Phillips 
at  Elizabeth  Town  to  agree  to  an  Exchange  of  families.  I  hear 
nothing  said  of  a  Gen1  Exchange. 

Wyllys  &  the  other  officers  whom  I  recommended  are  Promoted 
&  feel  happy. — Give  my  love  to  Betsy,  Hetty  &  the  rest  of  your 
family ;  tell  them  God  bless  them.  I  wish  to  be  at  the  N.  Branch, 
but  I  do  not  expect  it.  If  honest  Dick  &  his  Lady  are  with  you  let 
them  know  I  remember  my  Old  N.  York  friends.  Your  Gun  you 
sent  for  is  now  at  Weth^  sent  there  last  Spring  by  John  Burnham. 

I  have  a  great  deal  to  say  to  you,  and  had  we  not  (the  last  Even?  ) 
drank  our  Sweethearts  &  Wives  in  some  very  fine  Cherry  I  would 
finish  the  Sheet,  I  can  not  add  to  the  Scroll,  only  by  once  more  giv- 
ing my  love  to  the  dear  Girls,  &  subscribing  myself  your  friend 

Eben.  Huntington. 

Jack  Wyllys,  Williams  Walker  &  Epa  Bull  desire  their  Compli- 
ments, I  believe  Bull  is  honest,  tho'  he  is  not  quite  awake. 


FROM   RICHARD  CARY. 

Sunday  Morng  ,  i  October,  1 780. 
Dear  Webb  : 

We  all  agree  that  it  will  be  equally  as  pleasing  to  attend  you  to 
Brunswick  the  next  week  as  this,  and  indeed  had  it  been  a  disap- 
pointment, the  cause  would  to  Mr*  Cary  &  myself  have  produced  all 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  299 

that  heartfelt  delight  &  joy  that  a  sincere  friendship  to  such  deserv- 
ing persons  is  capable  of  exciting  in  our  breasts.  You  will  there  fore 
naturally  conclude  that  we  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  postponing  the 
jaunt — for  myself  I  shall  only  say  that  I  expect  to  set  off  the  begin- 
ning of  the  week  for  Phil?  ,  &  therefore  fear  I  shall  not  have  it  in  my 
power  to  be  present  at  the  solemnity ;  but  whether  I  am  or  not,  I 
shall  cordially  participate  in  my  friends  prospects  of  future  happi- 
ness ;  and  most  ardently  pray  that  the  ceremony  may  be  the  intro- 
duction to  an  unchangeable  scene  of  conjugal  Bliss,  which  shall  last 
for  many  many  happy  years. 

Mr.  Low  &  MT.S  Cary  join  in  best  regards  to  all  the  Ladies  &  your- 
self, with,  DT.  Webb,  yours  most  faithfully.  You  may  depend  on  it, 
mum's  the  word. 

R?  Cary. 


FROM   ABRAHAM    SKINNER. 

HdQrs  1  October,  1780. 
My  dear  Colo 

I  am  happy  in  [the]  opportunity  of  telling  you  that  the  result  of 
the  last  negotiation  of  exchange  has  produced  a  Letter  from  Genl 
Lincoln  to  his  Excellency  Genl  Washington,  who  means  to  refer  it 
to  Congress.  I  think  this  the  critical  moment ;  I  shall  set  off  to- 
morrow or  next  day  for  Phil?  with  the  Dispatches  from  Head  Quart- 
ers on  this  important  Subject  &  could  wish  to  see  you  before  they  are 
delivered.  I  am  sure  much  Depends  on  the  success  that  may  attend 
them  and  your  weight  &  influence  with  Congress  is  of  the  utmost 
consequence. 

The  Enemy  are  threatening  to  send  the  Privates  to  Hallifax  or 
West  Indies,  but  say  nothing  of  the  Officers.  God  only  knows  what 
may  be  their  fate,  it  may  be  worse  than  it  is,  but  their  present  situa- 
tion is  intolerable.  I  need  not  say  any  more,  your  own  feelings  will 
suggest  the  rest.  I  am  with  unalterable  esteem  &  friendship,  your 
obi  Hum.  Servl 

Ab™  Skinner. 

Com.  Gen.  Pris. 

My  Pen  is  bad  &  I  am  in  haste. 


3oo        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   ROBERT   HOWE. 

Orange  Town,  3  October,  1 780. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Captain  Webb  has  refer'd  to  me  the  propriety  of  Resigning,  at 
least  he  has  ask'd  my  advice  upon  the  subject,  &  seems  to  intend  ask- 
ing yours  :  I  have  given  it  as  my  opinion  that  he  ought  not  to  resign, 
and  I  flatter  myself  you  will  concur  with  me.  To  say  nothing  of  the 
appearance  of  quitting  the  service  when  America  seems  most  to 
want  his  assistance,  what  would  be  the  consequence  to  himself; 
would  he  not  be  liable  to  every  Draft  of  Militia,  and  perhaps  be  ob- 
liged to  Head  them,  &  thereby  run  the  Risque  of  losing  his  Reputa- 
tion or  sacrificing  him  self,  but  if  the  American  Cause  is  near  a 
man's  heart,  &  surely  it  ought  to  be  so,  how  can  we  reconcile  to 
Honour,  Patriotism,  or  Honesty,  the  retiring  from  service  when  a 
Diminish'd  Army  &  Exhausted  Finances,  clamour  loudly  for  the  Ex- 
traordinary Exertions  of  every  Patriot,  and  even  for  that  of  every 
Individual  possess'd  of  the  least  spark  of  private  virtue.  In  short,  on 
whatever  side  I  contemplate  this  Question  (even  as  a  publick  one) 
I  conceive  that  to  resign  his  Commission  at  this  Period  is  to  act  un- 
worthy of  himself,  and  so  I  am  convinced  it  will  be  construed. 
Added  to  this,  his  Rank  places  him  on  the  Brink  of  Promotion,  and 
the  post  of  Honour  is  a  Military  Station,  indeed  so  many  Circum- 
stances combine  to  point  out  to  me  the  impropriety  of  his  Retiring, 
that  loving  him  as  I  truly  do,  I  would  not  have  him  do  it  by  any 
means,  and  knowing  your  love  for  your  Country,  your  Regard  for 
him,  and  your  nice  sense  of  honour,  I  doubt  not  you  will  concur 
with  me  in  sentiment,  &  join  to  dissuade  him  from  a  measure  which 
may  not  only  wound  his  Reputation,  but  gratify  his  Enemies.  If 
you  come  this  way,  be  assur'd  you  will  make  me  happy  in  giving  me 
as  much  of  your  company  as  you  possibly  can,  being,  Dear  Sir,  with 
Sentiments  of  Respect  and  great  Regard, 

Your  most  ob*   Serv* 

R.  Howe. 


GENERAL  WASHINGTON  TO   ABRAHAM    SKINNER. 

Paramus,  Ocrr  7th  1 780. 
Sir: 

I  find  by  your  report  of  the  24^  Ultimo  of  the  proceedings  which 

took  place  at  Elizabeth  Town  in  your  late  meeting  with  the  British 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  301 

Commissary,  that  the  Enemy  are  willing  to  go  substantially  into  the 
exchange  of  Officers  Mentioned  in  my  letter  of  Instructions  to  you 
of  the  1 7*h  provided  the  exchange  is  extended  to  our  privates  who 
were  then  Prisoners  of  War  in  New  York,  and  according  to  a  plan 
their  Commissary  furnished  you  with  in  May  and  June  last.  This 
proposal,  with  respect  to  the  privates,  is  perfectly  agreeable  to  me, 
and  so  I  have  informed  Sir  Henry  Clinton ;  and  you  will  take  the 
Most  effectual  and  immediate  Measures  to  carry  it  into  execution,  as 
well  the  exchange  of  those  Privates  as  of  the  Officers,  as  before 
directed.  If  the  exchange  of  Lieutenant-General  Burgoyne  and 
Major- Generals  Phillips  and  de  Riedesel  cannot  take  place  at 
the  same  time,  we  shall  have  only  to  regret  it,  as  it  will  prevent 
relief  to  themselves  and  many  others.  The  proceedings  which  re- 
quired the  particular  Exchanges  to  be  made  which  were  mentioned 
in  My  letter  of  Instructions  of  the  17*  of  September,  remain  un- 
altered, and  therefore  they  must,  I  presume,  be  still  attempted.  In 
the  instance  of  Lieutenant- Colonel  Ramsay  and  Colonel  Webb,  their 
exchange  must  be  effected,  as  the  footing  on  which  the  business 
stands  with  respect  to  them  can  admit  of  no  Alternative.  You  are 
fully  informed  of  it.  Indeed,  in  the  case  of  the  former,  the  point 
has  been  explicitly  agreed  to  by  the  Enemy  for  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Conolly  \  and,  in  the  case  of  the  latter,  if  he  is  not  exchanged,  the 
Officers  of  the  Eagle  Packet  cannot  be  released.  I  wish  you  to  ex- 
pedite the  business  as  much  as  possible. 

I  am,  Sir,  &? 

G°.  Washington. 

P.  S.  Though  the  Enemy  may  not  consent  to  exchange,  at  pres- 
ent, Lieutenant-General  Burgoyne  and  Major- Generals  Phillips  and 
Riedesel,  yet  possibly  they  may  be  prevailed  on  to  exchange  one  of 
the  two  last  for  Major-General  Lincoln.  You  will  endeavour  to  effect 
the  release  of  the  whole  by  every  decent  and  becoming  argument,  as 
it  will  relieve  so  many  of  our  Officers  :  But,  at  all  events,  attempt 
the  exchange  of  one  of  these  two  for  General  Lincoln. 

I  have  not  yet  received  the  determination  of  the  State  of  Virginia, 
with  respect  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Hamilton;  and  therefore  there 
can  be  no  stipulation  for  his  exchange. 

I  hope  the  State,  to  whom  I  have  written,  will  give  me  information 
in  time  on  the  subject. 


302         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    GOVERNOR    LIVINGSTON. 

North  Branch,  Rariton, 
i  6  October,  1780. 

Agreeable  to  my  promise  I  have  enclosed  your  Ex- 
cellency a  certify'd  copy  of  Major  MoncriefFs  Letter 
to  Mr.s  Bancker  by  which  you  will  be  convinced  there 
can  be  little  doubt  but  she  will  be  able  to  settle  her 
business  to  her  mind — provided  she  gets  to  New  York 
before  'tis  known  what  connections  are  form'd  in  her 
family — that  once  known,  it  might  be  made  use  of  to 
keep  her  out  of  her  just  dues.  'Tis  therefore  I  take 
the  liberty  to  request  your  Excellency  to  forward  the 
permit  as  early  as  conveniently  may  be;  and  as  it  is 
not  impossible  but  Mr.s  Bancker  may  meet  with  some 
effects  which  she  left  in  New  York,  she  would  esteem 
it  a  favor,  a  Note  might  be  added  giving  her  permis- 
sion to  bring  them  out,  with  a  few  necessary's  for  her 
family's  use,  which  she  may  probably  obtain  there  from 
people  who  are  in  her  Debt. 

I  am  with  much  respect  &  esteem,  your  Excellency's 
most  obed1.  most  Humbe.  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

P.  S.  Mr.s  Bancker  desires  me  to  present  her  best 
Compliments  &  to  assure  your  Excell?  that  she  has  no 
intention  or  desire  of  bringing  wl.  her  a  single  article, 
but  for  her  family's  use. 


REPORT   OF  A   COMMITTEE   OF   CONGRESS. 

The  Committee  to  whom  General  Washington's  Letter  of  the  7* 
Instant  with  Sundry  other  Papers  were  Referred  beg  Leave  to  Re- 
port : 

That  considering  the  Sufferings  of  the  American  Officers  and 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  303 

Soldiers  in  Captivity;  The  Expence  and  Difficulty  of  Supporting 
and  guarding  the  Convention  Troops,  and  the  Daily  Desertions 
which  take  place  among  them,  Principles  of  Humanity  and  Policy 
unite  in  Pointing  out  the  necessity  of  a  general  Exchange  upon 
Liberal  and  Equitable  Terms.  Your  Committee  submit  the  follow- 
ing Resolutions,  viz : 

That  General  Washington  be  authorized  and  Instructed  to  effect 
an  Exchange  of  all  Continental  Prisoners  of  War  and  now  in  Pos- 
session of  the  Enemy ;  and  of  the  Hostages  given  in  Canada — as 
well  as  of  all  officers  on  Parole  and  officers  violators  of  Parole  :  or 
Militia  actually  taken  in  Arms  and  remaining  prisoners  of  War  for  an 
equal  number  of  the  Convention  Troops — and  other  Prisoners  in 
our  hands,  Rank  for  Rank,  and  where  Similar  Rank  will  not  apply 
to  Pursue  the  Exchange  on  the  Footing  of  Composition  according  to 
the  valuation  or  Tariff  agreed  on  by  the  Commissioners  at  Amboy  in 
March  Last. 

That  the  Exchange  of  Officers  next  in  Rank  to  such  as  cannot  be 
Exchanged  on  the  principles  of  Equality  be  considered  and  Ex- 
changed on  the  Principles  of  Composition. 

That  all  Prisoners  taken  by  the  American  Forces  in  the  Northern 
Department  and  permitted  to  return  Home  on  Parole  be  considered 
and  Exchanged  agreeable  to  their  Rank  and  order  of  Capture. 

That  the  Expence  Incurred  for  Removing  and  Supporting  the 
Convention  Troops  from  the  time  of  their  capture  be  adjusted  by 
Commissioners  to  be  appointed  for  effecting  said  Exchange  and  the 
Balance  (after  Deducting  the  Expence  due  for  Support  of  our  Pris- 
oners in  the  hands  of  the  Enemy)  paid  prior  to  the  Exchange  of  any 
Part  of  said  Troops. 

That  General  Washington  impower  the  Commissioners  appointed 
on  his  Part  (in  Case  any  Dispute  should  arise  Respecting  the  Sup- 
port of  the  Convention  Troops)  to  Submit  the  same  to  some  Proper 
arbitrating  Power  for  Determination  and  to  give  Hostages  as  a 
Security  to  Refund  in  Case  every  part  thereof  shall  be  adjudged  to 
have  been  over  paid. 

But  in  Case  the  Commissioners  which  may  be  appointed  by  the 
British  Commander  in  Chief  will  not  accede  to  the  Above  Terms 
The  Commissioners  appointed  by  General  Washington  may  propose 
to  them  the  Exchanging  said  Troops  without  payment  of  Expence 


3o4         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

upon  their  Submitting  the  Same  as  aforesaid  and  giving  Hostages 
for  securing  the  payment  of  such  Sums  as  may  be  adjudged  fully  due. 

That  all  officers  be  Exchanged  according  to  the  Rank  they  held 
at  the  time  of  Capture ;  &  Such  of  the  Military  as  have  no  Regi- 
mental Rank  by  Composition  to  be  settled  by  the  Commissioners. 

That  a  Brigadier  General  be  Exchanged  with  each  Divisions  of 
the  Convention  Troops — one  Major  General  with  the  first  &  one 
with  the  Last  Division  and  that  Lieut.  General  Burgoine  be  Included 
in  and  Exchanged  with  the  Second  Division  as  his  remaining  to  be 
Exchanged  with  the  Third  or  Last  is  altogether  unmilitary  and  in- 
admissible. 

That  Hostages  be  Mutually  given  as  a  Security  that  the  Con- 
vention Troops  &  Those  received  in  exchange  for  them :  do  not 
bear  arms  Prior  to  the  First  Day  of  May  next. 

That  General  Washington  be  Informed,  it  is  not  the  sense  of  Con- 
gress to  make  this  last  article  an  ultimatum ;  unless  from  the  Pres- 
ent State  of  our  Army  the  Improbability  of  his  being  Joined  by  the 
French  Troops ;  or  other  Circumstances ;  he  shall  be  convinced 
that  the  Convention  Troops  will  by  the  exchange  be  put  in  a  Situa- 
tion to  Act  with  the  British  Army,  at  the  Southward  Prior  to  our 
having  an  Equal  Force  in  readiness  to  oppose  them. 

Resolved,  that  the  Commander  in  chief  be  directed  to  insist  upon 
the  Exchange  of  those  persons  prisoners  of  War  under  the  Capitula- 
tion of  Charles  Town  alluded  to  in  their  resolution  of  the  23d  day  of 
September  last.* 


TO   JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

North  Branch  Raritan,  29th  Octo.,  1780. 
Dear  Barrell  : 

My  friend  Col1!  Cary  gives  me  an  opportune  once 
more  to  tell  you  I  am  in  a  state  of  existence,  my  long 
silence  you  must  please  to  attribute  to  unavoidable 

*  This  report,  or  the  resolutions  based  upon  it,  were  not  entered  on  the  Jour- 
nals of  Congress.  It  was  brought  in  on  October  16th,  read  on  the  18th,  and  re- 
committed, Mr.  Hill  being  added  to  the  committee.  It  passed  November  7th. 
The  members  of  the  original  committee  were  Sullivan,  Bland  and  Mathews. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  305 

causes,  for  be  assured  I  have  no  friend  whose  good 
opinion  and  Friendship  I  more  ardently  desire  than 
yours  'tis  not  customary  for  me  to  make  professions, 
my  actions  must  speak  for  me — my  late  seeming  inat- 
tention might  induce  you  to  think  I  had  forgot  my 
friend  Barrell — 'tis  therefore  I  say  I  am  still  your  warm 
friend  S.  B.  Webb — the  cares  of  life  you  know  crowd 
daily  &  hourly  on  us,  Mortals — a  late  change  *  in  my 
situation  will  prevent  my  passing  that  time  with  you 
this  Winter  I  had  promised  myself  (for  all  particulars  I 
must  refer  you  to  Col°.  Cary)  ;  however  one  of  these 
odd  days  I  intend  to  parade  myself  at  your  Door  with 

*  In  this  month  Colonel  Webb  married  Eliza,  daughter  of  Richard  Bancker,  one 
of  the  "  leading  merchants  of  New  York,  and  the  largest  owner  of  lands  in  the 
Kayaderosseras  Patent,  which  included  the  region  about  Saratoga."  He  died  in 
New  York  city,  18  April,  1775,  and  his  widow,  Sarah,  removed  to  New  Jersey,  on 
the  Raritan,  where  Colonel  Webb  wooed  and  won  the  daughter. 

Gerrit  Bancker  was  in  New  Amsterdam  as  early  as  1655.  In  1657  he  removed 
to  Beverwyck,  where  he  resided  till  his  death,  which  occurred  in  February,  1691. 
His  wife  was  Elizabeth  Dirkse  Van  Eps,  a  sister  of  Jan  Van  Eps,  one  of  the 
founders  of  Schenectady.  On  Gerrit  Bancker's  death,  his  widow  removed  to 
New  York,  and  engaged  in  trade,  by  which  she  became  wealthy,  and  left  a  large 
property  to  her  children  Evert  and  Anna.  Anna  became  the  wife  of  Johannes 
De  Peyster,  of  New  York,  in  1688.  Evert  succeeded  to  the  mercantile  house, 
living  in  Albany,  where  he  held  many  official  positions  of  trust.  In  1 686  he 
married  Elizabeth  Abeel,  daughter  of  Stoffel  Jarse  Abeel,  and  had  many  chil- 
dren, of  whom  seven  were  living  at  the  time  of  his  will,  1734: — Elizabeth,  born 
29  July,  1693,  who  married  Gerrit  Lansing;  Christoffel,  born,  27  October,  1695; 
William,  born,  28  October,  1699;  Jannetie,  born,  28  August,  1701,  married  Har- 
manus  Schuyler;  Adriaan,  born,  10  October,  1703;  Gerardus,  born,  1  April, 
1706;  and  Johannes. 

Christoffel,  or  Christopher,  son  of  Evert,  married  in  17 19,  Elizabeth  Hooglant. 
In  his  will  are  mentioned  the  following  children :  Evert,  Adrian,  Richard,  Chris- 
topher and  William.     William  resided  on  Staten  Island,  married  Anna ,  and 

had  children : — Catharine,  Elizabeth  and  Hendrick.  Richard  remained  in  New 
York,  and  in  1764  became  a  freeman  of  the  city.  He  married  Sarah  Duyckinck, 
and  had  one  child,  Eliza,  who  married  Colonel  Webb.  A  sister-in-law,  Mary 
Duyckinck,  is  spoken  of  in  Mrs.  Bancker's  letters  to  the  Colonel,  as  "Aunt 
Polly." 


3o6         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

more  than  One  Sister,  one  you  are  well  acquainted 
with.     /  hope  the  other  will  prove  equally  agreeable. 

Surely,  my  Dear  Sister;  methinks  I  hear  you  say  I 
ought  to  have  told  you  this  before  my  leaveing  Weth- 
ersfield,  believe  me  my  Sister  it  was  a  matter  I  had  not 
fully  determined  on,  that  &  that  only  was  the  cause  of 
my  not  writeing  you  on  the  subject,  to  Hetty's  letter  I 
must  refer  you,  had  I  leisure  I  would  write  you  a  sepa- 
rate letter — but  Col.  &  Mrs.  Cary  are  both  with  us  and 
set  of  early  in  the  morning  for  Boston,  politeness  as 
well  as  Inclination  induces  me  to  pay  them  attention — 
e'er  long  I  hope  you  will  be  acquainted  with  your  new 
Sister, — I  flatter. myself  both  you  and  Mr.  Barrell  will 
love  her — however  you  must  remember  I  am  partial, 
the  common  fame  says  she  is  not  unlike  Hetty  in  Dis- 
position and  Manners,  this  I  am  sure  will  not  be  un- 
pleaseing  to  you. 

Remember  friend  Joe  you  are  to  keep  at  least  One 
Bottle  of  Satisfaction  for  me,  my  Mouth  waters  at  the 
Idea — tell  all  your  good  family  I  love  and  Esteem  them, 
say  to  Otis  God  bless  him — I  am  almost  unpardonable 
for  not  writeing  him — but  tis  too  late  this  Evens  .  I'll 
chat  enough  in  one  hour  when  I  see  him  to  make  up 
for  twenty  letters. 

If  you  have  any  Business  at  Philadelph3;  this  Winter 
command  me, — direct  for  me  at  Morristown  New  Jersey 
to  the  care  of  Jacobus  Vanzandt,  Esqr.  All  single  let- 
ters reach  me  Post  free — I  cannot  close  without  telling 
you  a  general  Exchange  is  agreed  on — at  least  so 
General  as  to  release  about  150  of  our  unfortunate 
Officers  on  Long  Island — it  will  take  place  in  about 
three  weeks — your  Hum1.  Serv1.  is  of  the  happy  number 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  307 

— so  that  I  shall  probably  have  the  Honor  of  leading 
my  Reg1,  the  next  Campaign. 

Joy  to  you  my  friend  on  the  glorious  turn  of  affairs 
to  the  Southward — you  will  know  the  particulars  before 
this  can  reach  you.  Remember  me  to  all  friends,  and 
be  assured  that  I  am  with  warm 

Sentiments  of  Esteem  Most 

Affectionately  Yours, 

S.  B.  W. 


FROM   MAJOR   TALLMADGE. 

TOTOWA,  Novr  4th,  1 780. 

My  dear  Sir  : 

Capt.  Webb  this  moment  informs  me  that  there  will  be  an  oppor- 
tunity to  send  you  a  line  tomorrow. 

Since  the  new  Establishment  of  the  Army  has  come  out  in  Genl 
Orders,  the  field  officers  of  the  different  Lines  have  been  very  busy 
in  fixing  on  those  who  command  the  new  Regiments  for  the  War. 
The  Provision  for  the  retiring  Officers  is  so  ample,  that  I  am  sorry 
to  say,  there  seems  to  be  an  emulation  among  our  eastern  officers 
who  shall  go  home,  rather  than  continue  in  Service.  After  the  great 
Pains  General  Washington  has  taken  to  provide  some  honorable 
Compensation  for  those  Officers  who  retire,  for  their  past  services  & 
sufferings,  such  a  requital  would  wound  him  very  sensibly.  How- 
ever there  is  this  Check  upon  them,  that  none  can  retire  with  the 
benefits  promised,  until  the  new  regiments  are  compleatly  officered. 
I  am  this  afternoon  informed  that  the  field  officers  of  the  Con- 
necticut Line  have  been  together  &  that  Col.  Wyllys — Col.  Swift, 
Col.  Webb,  Col.  Meigs  &  Lt.  Col.  Sherman  are  proposed  as  the 
Commanding  officers  of  the  new  Regiments.  Was  I  to  give  you  my 
opinion,  I  should  advise  that  you  immediately  repair  to  Camp,  for 
the  purpose  of  assisting  in  compleating  the  Arrangement.  There  are 
many  things,  such  as  the  rank  of  a  Reg*,  the  field  &  other  officers 
arranged  to  it,  &c,  &c,  which  would  be  well  worthy  of  your  attention 
— I  am  informed,  this  day,  by  some  of  our  officers  just  exchanged, 
that  you  are  at  length  liberated — I  hope  it  may  be  true. 


308        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  intended,  when  I  crossed  the  North  River,  to  have  rode  as  far 
as  Princetown  before  I  returned,  and  of  Course  should  have  called 
on  you.  A  Letter  from  the  Gen!  of  this  day,  on  particular  business 
obliges  me  to  return  tomorrow. 

It  is  said  there  is  another  Embarkation  taking  Place,  destined  to 
Virginia. 

Col.  Sheldon  is  very  honorably  acquitted — You  will  see  his  whole 
Tryal  in  Print. 

Please  to  make  my  Compliments  to  Miss  Webb  and  your  Dul- 
cinea,  if  She  even  remembers  me. 

In  a  few  months,  according  to  Custom  I  shall  expect  to  hear,  by  a 
Line  from  you.     In  the  interim  am,  Dr.  Sir,  with  friendship 

&  Esteem 
your  most  obdt  Servt 

Benj*  Tallmadge. 


PROPOSITION   FOR  AN  EXCHANGE. 

New  York,  4  November  1 780. 

Propositions  by  Major  General  Phillips  who  has  the  authority  to 
declare  from  His  Excellency  General  Sir  Henry  Clinton  that  they 
shall  be  ratified,  supposing  them  to  be  agreed  to  on  the  part  of  the 
Americans. 

That,  after  the  Exchange  of  all  the  Officers  Prisoners  of  War,  and 
Supposing  the  proposed  partial  Exchanges  of  several  Officers  of  the 
Troops  of  Convention  as  carried  out  by  Mr.  Skinner  should  take 
place,  there  will  remain  a  considerable  number  of  American  Officers 
Prisoners  of  War  on  Long  Island,  among  whom  will  be  one  Brigadier 
and  eight  Colonels  :  Major  General  Phillips,  therefore,  offers  to  Ex- 
change all  such  Officers  for  a  Division  of  the  Troops  of  Convention 
to  be  composed  of  Corps  in  the  manner  proposed  at  a  meeting  of 
the  Commissioners  at  Amboy  to  the  Amount  of  the  Value  by  Tariff 
of  the  remaining  American  Officers  Prisoners  of  War  on  Long  Island. 

Major  General  Phillips  further  proposes  a  General  Exchange  of  all 
the  Privates  Prisoners  of  War  British  and  German  against  an  equal 
number  of  American  Privates  Prisoners  of  War  in  Charlestown,  as, 
also,  of  all  the  Troops  of  Convention,  Officers  and  Privates,  against 
an  equal  number,  Rank  for  Rank,  or  by  composition,  of  the  Ameri- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  309 

can  Officers  and  Privates  Prisoners  of  War  in  Charlestown,  South 
Carolina. 

These  Propositions  are  referred  to  the  Consideration  of  His  Ex- 
cellency General  Washington. 

Major  General  Phillips  delivers  this  Paper  to  Mr.  Skinner  the 
American  Commissary  of  Prisoners  in  order  that  he  may  lay  it  before 
General  Washington. 

W.  Phillips.* 


TO    JOSEPH    WEBB. 

Camp  Tataway,  13th  [Nov.]  1780. 
My  Dear  B* 

Number  52  was  from  the  North  Branch  of  Raritan 
the  29th  of  October  which  I  hope  is  with  you.  I  am 
sorry  again  to  repeat  I  have  received  but  one  letter 
from  you  since  I  left  home.  It  makes  me  uneasy.  It 
looks  too  like  forgetfulness.  Every  opportunity  I  have 
had  has  been  improved.  You  certainly  can  get  letters 
on  to  the  army  so  that  I  know  not  what  excuse  to  make. 

*  "  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  Congress,  that,  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  re- 
spective Commissaries,  the  exchanges  of  about  one  hundred  and  forty  of  our 
officers,  and  all  our  privates  in  New  York,  amounting  to  four  hundred  and  seventy- 
six,  were  effected.  Among  the  former  are  Major-General  Lincoln,  Brigr.-Generals 
Thompson,  Waterbury,  and  Duportail,  and  Lt.-Colo.  Laurens.  Sir  Henry  Clinton 
having  made  a  proposal  of  exchanging  a  further  number  of  the  Convention 
Officers,  without  attaching  men  to  them,  I  have  acceded  to  it,  by  which  we  shall 
liberate  all  our  officers  in  this  quarter,  except  one  brigr.-general  (Irvine),  Nine 
Colonels,  one  Captain,  and  thirty-nine  Lieutenants.  An  offer  is  made  by  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  to  exchange  all  those,  for  a  division  of  the  Convention  Troops,  by 
Composition  where  Rank  will  not  apply.  To  this  I  have  refused  to  accede,  un- 
less Lieutt.-General  Burgoyne  is  taken  into  the  account.  If  they  will  agree  to 
this,  he  alone  will  liberate  nearly  the  whole  of  them.  They  have  further  pro- 
posed a  general  exchange  of  the  Convention  Troops,  Officers  and  men,  for  our 
prisoners  of  War  at  the  Southward.  I  have  not  thought  proper  to  enter  at  all 
upon  the  business  of  southern  prisoners,  because  I  have  but  a  very  imperfect  state 
of  them,  and  because  I  perceive  by  the  powers  granted  to  Major-General  Greene, 
that  he  is  at  Liberty  to  negotiate  the  exchange  of  prisoners  in  that  quarter." — 
Washington  to  the  President  of  Congress,  7  November,  1 780. 


310         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  wrote  the  Baron  Steuben  at  Philadelphia  to  leave 
the  balance  due  you  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Seagrove  or 
Mr.  Erskine,  but  I  am  apprehensive  my  letter  did  not 
reach  him  before  he  set  out  for  the  Southward.  If  so, 
I  know  not  when  you'll  get  it,  or  where  I  shall  get 
some  necessary  supplies. 

Yesterday  the  commander-in-chief  congratulated  me 
on  being  once  more  a  free  man  : 

The  new  arrangement  has  taken  place  in  the  Con- 
necticut line  as  follows: — Swift,  Durkee,  Webb,  Butler 
&  Lt.  Col.  Comd'g  Sherman,  but  Durkee  must,  I 
think  retire.  He  is  almost  superannuated,  and  'tis 
generally  supposed  I  will  be  second.  I  intend  this  day 
to  solicit  leave  of  absence  till  Spring  in  which  I  hope  to 
be  gratified.  In  the  mean  time  I  take  this  early  oppor- 
tunity to  request  you  will,  during  the  Winter,  be  pro- 
viding some  necessary  stores  for  me  in  the  Field,  such 
as :  Spirits,  .Sugar,  Coffee,  Tea,  &c,  &c.  'Tis  more 
than  probable  I  shall  be  with  you  part  of  the  Winter. 
My  inclination  leads  me  to  be  with  you — my  last  con- 
tained reasons  why  I  could  not.  You'll  make  my  love 
to  Sister  Webb,  to  Abby,  and  all  our  friends.  Your 
sisters  in  New  Jersey  desired  me  to  remember  them 
to  you  all. 

I  am  your  very  sincere  &  Most  affectionate  Brother, 

Sam'l  B.  Webb. 


The  arrangement  for  the  next  campaign  stands  thus: 

r  Col.  [John]  Durkee  -\  To  consist  of  the  3<? 

-j  Lt.  Col.  [Thomas]  Grosvenor  V      and    4*h    regiments 

(.Major  [Willis]  Clift.  )      incorporated. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  311 


rCol.  [Heman]  Swift  -\ 

2.  \  Lt.  Col.  [Jonathan]  Johnson  f  The  5 *  and  7*  incor- 

( Major  TTheodorel  Woodbridee  )      corPorated- 


rCol.  [Heman]  Swift 
\  Lt.  Col.  [Jonathan]  m 
(.Major  [Theodore]  Woodbridge 
r  Col.  [Samuel  B.]  Webb 

3.  1  Lt.  Col.  [Ebenezer]  Huntington  [■  2?d  and  9^. 
(.  Major  [John  Palsgrave]  Wyllys 
r  Col.  [Zebulon]  Butler                             -\  The  6*h  with  a  few  offi- 

4.  }  Lt.  Col.  [Ebenezer]  Gray  I      cers  from  the  other 
(.Major  [Eli]  Leavenworth.*                    J      regiments. 

r  Lt.  Col.  [Isaac]  Sherman  -\ 

5.  Major  [David]  Smith.  The  *  and  8th  incor" 
( Major  [Benjamin]  Throop.                    )      Porated-t 


FROM   JOSEPH   BARRELL. 

Boston,  20th  Nov.,  1 780. 
Dear  Sam  : 

Your  favor  of  the  29th  Ulto.  came  to  hand  this  day  Pr  Col?  Cary ; 
the  Contents  I  Note,  and  very  sincerely  give  you  Joy  on  your  En- 
trance into  that  State  of  life  which  is  always  honorable,  &  sometimes 
the  most  happy.  I  speak  from  Experience  &  feelingly  upon  the 
Subject,  w<:h  to  me  has  been  abundantly  so.  I  want  much  to  see  the 
new  Sister,  for  if  common  fame  ever  speaks  truth,  I'm  persuaded  I 
shall  love  &  esteem  her,  &  when  you  Parade  at  my  Door,  I  shall  give 
her  the  first  Welcom  \  in  token  of  w^h  give  her  forty  Kisses  of  the 
best  Kind,  &  tell  her  I  will  cheerfully  double  the  number  when  oppy 
offers.  I  am  sorry  &  glad  that  an  exchange  is  like  once  more  to  give 
you  oppY  of  acting  the  man,  &  doing  service  to  your  Country.  But 
when  I  think  of  the  tender  connection,  you  are  now  engaged  in,  & 
that  your  dear  Betsy  must  feel  the  separation  tho'  duty  calls,  I  feel 
for  the  tender  sex  &  the  more  so,  as  they  are  the  more  tender  & 
lovely.  You,  I'm  sure,  will  therefore  conclude  that  on  the  present 
Occasion  I  shall  be  sensibly  affected ;  but  I  pray  God  the  blessings 
of  Peace  may  soon  restore  you  to  those  arms  w^h,  if  a  pure  Affection 
warms  the  heart,  will  most  assuredly  give  you  a  foretaste  (&  not  a 

♦This  is  an  error,  as  Leavenworth  retired.     Abner  Prior  was  the  Major  of  this 
regiment. 

t  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  127. 


3i2         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

small  one  neither)  of  that  State  where  Pain  is  banished,  &  mutual  love 
reigns  uncontrould. 

I  never  suspected  your  attachment  of  friendship.  Indeed  a  simi- 
larity of  Hearts  are  never  suspicious  :  &  I  trust  after  the  Parading 
you  mention  that  your  Conduct  will  be  such  as  the  grave  Cits,  may 
approve,  &  the  Rational  amusements  of  a  friendly  Circle  where  the 
amiable  sex  make  the  happiness,  will  be  far  preferable  to  the  mid- 
night Revels,  that  nearly  ruined  your  bro.  Barrell  as  you  imprudently 
supposed  the  last  Winter.  But  you  were  mistaken  ;  your  bro.  Barrell 
Knows  how  far  to  go  with  those  Gentry  w<:h  always  looses  their 
charms  when  Compared  to  the  Circles  above  hinted  at. 

No  doubt  the  Cares  of  life  crowd  upon  us  mortals  and  the  State 
you  are  now  in  they  will  thicken,  but  then  remember  you  have  a 
Partner  to  share  &  lighten  them,  &  I've  always  found  if  I  had  peace 
at  home,  the  cares  of  the  world  never  gave  trouble  for  a  Moment. 
For  when  the  Confidence  of  a  friend  can  be  depended  on,  the  Cares 
of  life  vanish  like  the  "baseless  Fabrick  of  vision." 

I  hope  .you  will  some  years  hence  be  able  to  say  amen  to  this 
Assertion,  for  a  happy  Union  will  fully  impower  you  to  do  it. 

A  Bottle  of  Satisfaction  is  next  the  wall ;  it  shall  be  broach' d  to 
welcom  your  better  Self;  but,  mind  me,  none  of  your  he  males  to 
guzzel  down  3  or  4  of  an  Evening. 

Otis  will  be  with  you  speedily  as  he  sets  off  for  Phil?  — say  in  a 
very  few  days. 

Adieu ;  my  best  affection  to  Sister  Betsy,  Sister  Hetty,  &c.  Don't 
let  Hetty  be  offended  that  [I]  name  Betsy  first ;  for  older  or  not  she 
has  the  preeminence  being  Married,  w<:h  always  takes  the  right  hand 
of  the  Single  Dames. 

I  am  Sincerely  as  always  Y*  Friend  &  Bro. 

Jos  'Barrell. 


GENERAL   WASHINGTON   TO    GENERAL   CLINTON. 

Head-Quarters,  20  November,  1780. 
Sir: 

I  am  authorized  by  Congress  to  propose  a  meeting  of  com- 
missioners, for  the  purpose  of  effecting  an  exchange  of  all  Conti- 
nental prisoners  of  war  now  in  your  possession,  and  of  the  hostages 


SAMUEL  B LAC H LEY  WEBB.  313 

given  in  Canada,  as  well  as  of  all  officers  on  parole,  and  officers  vio- 
lators of  parole,  and  militia  actually  taken  in  arms  and  remaining 
prisoners  of  war,  for  an  equal  number  of  the  convention  troops,  and 
other  prisoners  in  our  hands,  rank  for  rank  ;  and,  where  similar  rank 
will  not  apply,  to  pursue  the  exchange  on  the  footing  of  composition, 
according  to  the  valuation  or  tariff  agreed  on  by  the  commissioners 
at  Amboy  in  March  last.  In  this  business  will  of  course  come  into 
contemplation  an  equitable  adjustment  and  payment  of  the  accounts 
of  the  convention  troops.  I  think  it  necessary  to  apprize  you  of  this 
circumstance,  that  there  may  be  no  misapprehension,  and  that,  if 
the  commissioners  meet,  they  may  come  clothed  with  proper  powers 
to  render  the  meeting  effectual.  I  request  your  speedy  answer; 
after  which,  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  may  be  regulated.*  *  * 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   JAMES   SEAGROVE. 

PHILA.  25  th  Novr   I780. 

Dear  Webb  : 

I  thank  you  most  cordially  for  your  Letter  of  the  28th  Ult,  as  it 
convinces  that  my  friend  Webb  has  not  entirely  forgot  there  was  such 
a  being  as  Seagrove.  I  can  readily  excuse  your  not  answering  my 
two  Letters  whilst  a  Prisoner  on  Long  Island,  as  it  might  have  been 
attended  with  disagreeable  consequences  to  you  should  the  Enemy 
have  known  it.  Believe  me  Sam,  Time  or  the  perplexing  and  very 
dissagreeable  Scenes  I  have  gon  through  since  we  parted,  has  not  in 
the  least  lessened  my  Esteem  for  you — and  it  will  ever  ad  to  my 
happiness  to  hear  of  your  prosperity.  I  hope  you  are  again  a  Free 
Man,  I  mean  that  you  are  exchanged — for  if  I  am  to  believe  repoart 
you  are  more  a  Captive  then  ever — to  that  Dear  sweet  Girl  Miss 

*  Sir  Henry  Clinton  assented  to  the  proposition  contained  in  this  letter,  but 
suggested  that  the  adjustment  of  accounts  should  not  be  limited  to  the  convention 
troops,  but  extend  to  all  the  prisoners  that  had  been  made  on  both  sides  during 
the  war,  as  well  British  as  American.  Concerning  this  point  Washington  replied 
that  he  had  written  to  Congress  on  the  subject;  but,  since  it  would  take  much 
time  to  collect  and  arrange  the  accounts,  he  thought  it  best  not  to  appoint  com- 
missioners for  the  purpose  till  this  should  be  done.  In  the  meantime  the  business 
of  exchange  might  go  forward,  according  to  the  principles  upon  which  both 
parties  were  agreed. 


314        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

B my  old  acquaintance.     Indeed  we  have  it  here  that  you  and 

she  are  one — I  cannot  think  it ;  or  surely  you  would  have  mentioned 
it.  In  your  next  pray  empower  me  to  contradict  or  confirm  it — the 
latter  will  be  most  agreeable. 

As  I  am  a  Prisoner  of  War  on  Parole  to  this  State  I  cannot 
promise  myself  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  or  the  Lady's  in  Jersey, 
and  when  we  poor  Devils  taken  in  Charlestown  are  to  be  Exchanged 
I  know  not. 

I  am  sorry  to  inform  you,  that  Baron  Steuben  left  this  Ten  days 
before  I  rec'd  yours,  and  is  now  with  the  Army  in  N?  or  S?  Carolina 
— and  as  I  cannot  find  any  person  here  to  settle  his  affairs,  I  now 
inclose  the  letter  you  sent  for  him. 

I  had  a  few  lines  from  Jos.  Webb  a  few  days  since  which  gave  me 
pleasure —     Please  present  my  best  respects,  Love  &  Compliments 

to  Mrs.  B ,  Aunt  Polly,  Miss  B or  Mrs.  W b,  and  Miss 

WTebb  who  I  understand  is  with  you. 

Erskine  Desires  his  Compliments.  He  sails  in  a  few  days  for 
France — Constable  is  with  our  Army  in  Virginia.  I  shall  be  glad  to 
hear  from  you,  and  when  you  come  this  way  I  shall  expect  to  see 
you  to  talk  over  the  days  we  have  seen. 

I  am,  Dear  Sam,  Yours  AffectY 

J.  Seagrove. 


FROM  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HUNTINGTON. 

Wethersfield,  27th  November,  1780. 
Dear  Webb: 

When  I  last  wrote  you,  it  did  not  enter  my  mind  that  so  long  a 
time  would  have  Elapsed  without  seeing  or  hearing  from  you,  but 
soon  after  I  wrote,  the  Reg1,  left  Head  Quarters  for  West  Point, 
which  Place  I  left  on  the  Regiments  arrival,  &  with  an  Expectation 
of  not  seeing  them  again  this  Winter,  but  flattering  myself  that  I 
should  have  seen  Col?  &  Mrs.  Webb,  &  sister  Hetty  at  Wethersfield, 
as  at  that  time  I  had  great  suspicions  of  a  Clandestine  Marriage,  as 
I  used  to  tell  you  when  at  the  Hutts — I  wish  you  to  give  my  love  to 
Betsy  &  Hetty,  tell  them  their  presence  at  Wethersfield  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  make  us  happy  this  Winter,  as  to  your  being  here,  you 
may  suppose  we  can  do  without  you,  if  you  will  give  us  the  other 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  315 

good  people  with  you.  Last  week  we  began  the  little  family  Dances 
for  the  Winter,  Brother  Jack  gave  the  first,  a  very  Clever  one,  but  I 
must  Confess  twould  have  added  much  to  it,  to  have  had  your  Com- 
pany, &  let  me  tell  you,  yourself  &  the  Circle  with  you,  were  men- 
tion^ more  than  once.  By  letters  from  Camp,  I  find  myself  again 
Arranged  in  the  Army,  it  was  unexpected  &  unwishd  for ;  it  was  un- 
expected, as  I  had  inform?  Maj.  Wyllys  of  my  (almost)  absolute 
determination  to  resign  when  I  left  Camp,  but  on  the  second  thought 
determine  to  wait  till  the  arrangements  should  take  place  to  be  left 
out,  &  Retire  with  the  Advantages  which  should  be  given  to  Officers 
Arranged  out ;  As  I  understood  the  Resolve  of  Congress,  if  the  Offi- 
cers can  not  agree  among  themselves  to  stay,  the  Seniors  are  Oblig? 
to  stay,  or  rather  that  they  are  to  be  Arranged  in,  &  must  either  stay 
or  resign  which  gives  the  younger  Officers  the  opportunity  to  retire 
if  they  Choose  it.  I  have  wrote  Col?  Tilgham  [Tilghman]  to  know 
what  are  the  Sentiments  of  His  Excellency  about  the  Resolve,  as  I 
would  wish  most  earnestly  to  be  one  of  those  who  retire,  and  rather 
think  I  shall  resign  if  arranged  in. — Pray  can  you  tell  what  kind  of  a 
Corps  of  officers  yours  will  be  ?  Are  they  equal  to  the  task  ?  I  am 
very  unacquainted  with  the  2d  Regiments  Corps  of  Officers  which  I 
am  told  is  annexed  to  yours  &  therefore  if  you  have  made  a  Judge- 
ment wish  you  let  me  know  it.  As  yet  I  have  not  hear?  where  Win- 
ter Quarters  will  be  for  the  Army,  but  have  Conjectured  it  will  be 
not  far  from  W  Point,  as  that  Post  must  &  will  be  the  Principal  Ob- 
ject for  the  Enemy,  &  Certainly  the  most  Eligible  for  the  Remains 
of  our  Army  to  retire  to  not  only  to  be  near  the  Point  for  the  Security 
of  that,  but  to  Secure  itself  from  Surprise,  which  it  will  be  Subject  to 
after  the  Levies  are  discharged.  Wherever  they  are  God  bless  them. 
— Wishing  you  Joy,  Ah  !  Joy  indeed,  &  Eliza  all  that  you  can  either 
ask  or  Wish.  I  shall  wish  my  love  to  your  little  family,  of  Wife  & 
friends,  &  Subscribe  myself  Yours  Sincerely, 

Eben  Huntington. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   ROBERT   HOWE. 

Just  on  the  March  on  Totoway 
27th  November,  1780. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

May  the  single  be  married,  and  the  married  happy,  is  an  old 


3i6        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

adage  to  which  thou  hast  tossed  off  many  a  Bumper.  In  which  class 
I  am  to  rank  thee,  I  know  not  (for  it  is  matter  of  speculation)  but 
in  either  or  both  I  wish  thee  felicity.  I  have  not  had  the  honor  to 
be  much  acquainted  with  the  Fair  one  who  has  attracted  thee,  but 
what  I  did  know  of  her  excited  me  earnestly  to  wish  to  know  more, 
nor  has  that  wish  subsided.  I  thought  I  discovered  in  her  an  agree- 
able Blending  of  Gaiety  and  pensiveness,  of  frankness  and  Reserve. 
Such  a  commixture  cannot  fail  to  produce  that  delicate  medium  of 
character,  conduct  and  disposition,  which  must  give  felicity  to  and 
receive  it  from  a  Man  of  Honor  and  sentiment,  and  with  which 
therefore,  you  must  be  happy ;  be  you  both  as  much  so,  as  I  wish 
you,  and  you  will  be  full  as  much  so  as  you  need  to  be. 

Jack  Webb,  who  will  deliver  you  this,  would  be  a  clever  fellow, 
had  he  not  the  capital  Faults  of  washing  his  hands  in  warm  water, 
&  running  to  the  Fire  when  he  wipes  them.  He  has  received  a 
Lecture  for  this,  just  this  moment,  and  has  promised  to  do  so  only 
once  a  month,  &  by  the  time  that  period  revolves  I  hope  he  will  for- 
get it.  You  may  judge  how  faulty  I  think  him  when  these  are  the 
greatest  faults  he  has.  Another  fault,  tho'  not  quite  so  magnificent, 
is  his  straddling  with  his  back  to  the  fire  and  displaying  his  stern  to 
it  by  drawing  the  skirts  of  his  coat  aside,  which,  as  he  is  already  too 
lean  abaft,  he  had  better  avoid,  lest  the  draft  of  the  chimney  and 
heat  of  the  fire  should  by  shrinking  him  increase  this  defect.  I  send 
him  to  you  but  remember  you  must  not  detain  him  too  long.  I  hope 
to  visit  you  this  Winter — if  not  pray  visit  me.  I  am,  Dear  Sir,  with 
Respectful  compliments  to  Mrs.  Banker  and  Miss  Banker  alias  Mrs. 
Webb  &  with  great  Regard,  Dear  Sir,  Yours  sincerely. 

R.  Howe. 

My  compliments  to  Mr.  Wilson  &  Family. 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

North  Branch,  Raritan, 
New  Jersey,  27th  Dec.  1780. 
D?  Barrel : 

A  few  days  since  I  was  favor' d  with  yours  of  the  20th 
Ult  by  Mr.  Otis  which  afforded  me  peculiar  satisfaction, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  317 

as  I  had  not  since  leaveing  WetM  heard  anything  of 
you — Yes,  Barrell,  I  am  among  the  list  of  old  folks,  a 
Married  Man,  &  be  assured  I  only  regret,  that  so 
many  days  and  Years  have  been  spent  without  know- 
ing the  happiest  State  this  world  affords,  and  I  have 
every  reason  to  hope  it  will  continue  while  my  life 
lasts — that  I  am  a  Soldier  is  in  the  Eyes  of  some  of  my 
friends  a  misfortune  because  I  may  the  sooner  quit  this 
Stage,  'tis  a  misfortune  in  my  own  eyes  but  in  two 
cases — one  that  my  Country  should  require  Men  of 
the  profession  and  the  other  that  I  am  debar'd  the  do- 
mestic ease  and  comfort  which  otherways  I  might  en- 
joy— but  I  hope  to  live  thro  all  the  troubles  of  the  War, 
and  yet  partake  of  many  a  social  Glass  with  You — 
Your  new  Sister  is  fond  of  you  and  Sally,  tho  unknown. 
I  flatter  myself  you  will  one  day  or  other  be  equally 
fond  of  her,  she  begs  me  to  tender  you  both  her  Love 
&  Compliments, — a  fond  Mother  and  she  the  only 
Child  is  all  that  prevented  my  takeing  her  to  Wethers- 
field  (and  perhaps  to  Boston)  this  Winter.  I  should 
delay  it  no  longer  than  the  next  Spring  but  then  my 
duty  will  call  me  to  the  Field,  I  hope  it  may  be  the  last 
Campaign  and  a  very  honorable  one  to  America. 

The  Certificate  which  you  favor'd  me  with  finally 
has  affected  my  Exchange,  you  therefore  again  have 
my  warmest  thanks,  &  thro'  you  I  beg  to  tender  them 
to  others  my  friends  owners  of  the  late  Vengeance, 
Privateer. 

Stick  to  your  promise  keep  a  Bottle  of  Satisfaction 
for  your  new  Sister  (this  has  some  self  in  it)  I  shall 
have  a  share,  and  unless  the  fortune  of  War  disable 
me — it  shall  be  the  next  Winter, — but  should  it  be  my 


3i 8        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

unfortunate  lot  to  add  to  the  number  who  have  fallen 
in  this  Countrys  cause,  you  may  then  drink  it  to  my 
Memory,  for  even  in  Death  I  hope  to  do  honor  to  my 
friends. 

Hetty  has  wrote  Sally — this  will  answer  as  well  for 
her  as  for  you,  tell  her  I  love  her  most  heartily,  and 
wish  both  you  and  her  every  felicity  in  this  World  and 
that  which  is  to  come. 

Br.  Jack  leaves  us  this  day  he  will  take  charge  of 
our  letters,  and  talks  of  paying  you  a  visit — the  Circle 
join  me  in  Compts.  of  the  season,  you  will  please  pre- 
sent mine  to  all  those  who  have  a  friendship  for  Yr. 
Affect.  Brother  Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM    SAMUEL   ALLEYNE   OTIS. 

Phil  a,  Jany  2d  1781. 

What  a  weight  of  obligation.  Ruminating  in  retirement  at  a  dis- 
tance from  all  who  knew  or  cared  a  farthing  for  me. 

"How  poor  is  the  friendless  master  of  a  world,"  thot  I,  when  my 
very  serv*.  entered  with  your  very  obliging  letter.  The  usual  pleasure 
of  breaking  the  seal  was  succeeded  by  a  glow  of  gratitude.  There 
vanity,  spite  of  sober  effort,  was  on  the  wing,  and  tickled  most  sweetly. 

And  is  it  possible  my  departure  could  occasion  a  moment's  regret 
to  the  ladies  ?  Really,  you  have  an  opinion  of  my  discretion,  such 
a  communication  is  enough  to  puff  one  into  a  Coxcomb.  But  for 
my  knowledge  of  yours,  &  the  goodness  very  conspicuous  in  the 
countenances  of  the  amiable  circle  round  your  breakfast  table,  which 
leads  me  to  attribute  the  favorable  opinion  to  your  candor  rather 
than  to  my  merit,  could  I  be  furnished  with  an  equipoise  for  the 
vanity  that  unavoidably  arises  upon  the  occasion  ?  And  now  to  the 
point.  Why,  there,  with  the  frankness  you  use,  I  inform  the  ladies 
"you  did  not  press  me  to  stay,"  but  on  friendship's  hallowed  shrine, 

I  s r,  I  staid  not  a  moment  the  less  with  you  on  that  account ; 

nor  in  the  least  would  it  have  retarded  my  calling  upon  you  on  my 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  319 

return  had  your  favor  of  the  220!.  ult?  never  reached  me.  I  could 
easily  forgive  an  omission  when  my  ill-timed  friendship  called  a  son  of 
Mars  from  the  arms  of  Hebe's  beauteous  Sister.  For  could  I  expect 
even  civility?  When  my  rashness  with  a  man  less  generous  would 
have  made  a  sacrifice  to  the  Cyprian  Queen,  whose  mysteries  I  had, 
although  inadvertently,  disturbed.  Surely  I  had  most  reason  to 
apologize  at  least  to  one  of  the  ladies,  whose  pardon  I  implore.  For 
you,  as  you  never  have,  and  acting  yourself,  never  can  offend,  I,  of 
course,  have  nothing  to  forgive.  And  if  you,  as  your  interest  is  very 
prevalent  with  one  of  the  Ladies,  will  get  me  a  pardon  ;  in  the  name 
of  friendship,  I  attribute  what  is  passed  to  forgetfulness.  Let  a  gen- 
eral amnesty  take  place,  so  we  can  get  all  the  ladies  to  say — amen — 

The  slave  of  business,  I  can  neither  command  my  own  time  or 
movements,  and  take  it  not  unkindly  if  I  don't  promise  when  per- 
formance may  be  impracticable ;  But  your  family  have  so  many  in- 
ducements, that  those  who  do  not  call  upon  them,  when  opportunity 
admits,  are  rather  objects  of  compassion  than  resentment,  for  neglect 
of  happiness  which  incurs  its  own  punishment. 

There  is  a  dead  calm  in  politics,  &  a  dearth  of  news.  Therefore, 
after  compliments  of  the  season — many — many  happy  years  to  you 
&  your  friends,  permit  me  to  assure  you  I  am,  very  sincerely,  your 
friend  and  obl.  serv't. 

Sam.  A.  Otis. 

Hope  the  Cap4,  got  home  unhurt  in  body  or  heart  the  day  we 
parted. 


colonel  webb's  orders  on  rejoining  his   regiment. 

Regimental  Orders,  7*  Feby  1781. 
It  is  with  singular  sattisfaction  the  Colonel  has  it  in 
his  power,  again  to  join  his  Reg1.  — the  Honor  and 
welfare  of  which  has  always  been  near  his  Heart. — He 
takes  this  first  Opportunity  of  returning  his  most  sin- 
cere thanks  to  the  Officers  for  the  great  care  they  have 
taken  in  supporting  a  Discipline  which  has  done  Honor 
to  themselves  &  to  the  Regiment  at  large,  in  which  he 


320        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

thinks  himself  an  equal  sharer. — The  cheerfulness  with 
which  the  Soldiers  have  endured  the  many  unavoidable 
hardships  merit  the  approbation  &  Thanks  of  their 
Officers  and  their  Country. 

He  most  earnestly  recommends  to  the  Officers  a 
steady  and  constant  attention  to  the  Discipline  of  the 
Regiment, — the  time  is  fast  approaching  when  we  shall 
again  take  the  Field — let  us  exert  ourselves  that  no 
Regiment  may  appear  in  superior  order  to  us,  to  ob- 
tain this — nothing  is  more  absolutely  necessary  than 
the  Strictest  attention  by  Officers  to  the  internal  police 
of  the  Reg1.  — they  must  be  answerable  that  the  Non- 
commissioned do  their  Duty  and  that  they  are  properly 
supported  in  the  Execution  of  it — the  Col°  flatters  him- 
self the  Soldiers  will  continue  to  behave  in  a  manner 
becomeing  the  Characters  of  Men  who  are  exerting 
themselves  in  support  of  everything  dear  to  freemen, 
they  will  continue  to  recollect  they  are  not  Mercenarys, 
fighting  for  a  foreign  Prince,  or  for  extent  of  Dominion 
— but  for  that  which  is  dearer  than  life — their  Liberty. 
At  the  end  of  the  War  we  trust  a  gratefull  Country 
will  honorably  reward  their  Noble  exertions,  and  here- 
after they  will  be  handed  down  to  future  Generations, 
as  Men  who  have  [preserved]  themselves  and  their 
Posterity  from  the  vilest  Servitude. 


TO    MAJOR-GENERAL    PARSONS. 

Camp,  f^  Feb? ,  1781. 
Dear  GenV  : 

Enclosed  you   have  a  list  of  Eight   Men  who  are 
naked — and  quite  a  burthen  to  the  Reg\  .     I  mean  if  I 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  321 

have  your  approbation  to  Discharge  them  tomorrow. 
The  Bearer  Asa  Leonard  waits  on  You  in.  his  Sunday- 
go-to-Meeting  Dress — his  time  not  expireing  'till  the 
y^  of  May  I  dare  not  discharge  him  without  your 
order — If  you'll  be  so  obligeing  as  to  lend  me  a  Gallon 
of  Spirits  &  a  few  Potatoes  I'll  see  to  repay  you  soon, 
I  am  Dr.  Gen1,  affectionately  Yours, 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


Serjt.  Flower         Naked  time 

expires 

6*  April 

Joseph  Porter 

Do 

Do 

10^  April 

Jerizah  Thayer 

Do 

Do 

2  April 

Dan1.  Holt 

Do 

Do 

3  April 

Capt.  Sam1.  Bement 

Do 

Do 

18*  Feby 

John  Parker 

Do 

Do 

21  March 

Amos  Chapman 

Do 

Do 

20t.h  March 

Nehemiah  Barns 

Do 

Do 

2  il.  March. 

FROM  MAJOR-GENERAL  PARSONS. 

7th  Feby  '81. 
General  Parsons  Comp*.  to  Col.  Webb  informing  him  he  is  of 
Opinion  the  Service  will  be  benefitted  by  Discharging  all  the  Men 
named  within,  the  Bearer  included.    The  Spirits  &c  are  at  Col. 
Webb's  Service  when  he  sends  for  them. 


FROM   CAPTAIN  BULKLEY. 

Wethersfield,  i  6th  February,  1781. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Yours  of  the  29*  of  Dec!  last  came  safe  to  hand,  be  ashured 
every  attention  shall  be  paid  as  you  have  requested,  as  nothing 
would  give  me  greater  pleasure  then  to  see  your  Regiment  appear 
Brilliant  and  cleaver,  and  every  exertion  in  my  power  has  and  shall 
be  made  for  that  purpose,  but  am  sorry  to  say  111  fortune  and  former 


322         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

exertions  has  put  it  out  of  my  power  to  do  what  my  soul  had  the 
greatest  desire,  I  declare  to  you  on  the  honor  of  a  soldier  and 
Gentleman  I  have  been  under  the  Necessity  of  borrowing  every  shil- 
ling I  have  had  since  my  return  from  Captivity  to  purchase  the  Nec- 
essaries of  Subsistence,  and  am  now  reduced  to  less  than  three 
shillings,  and  where  to  git  the  next  I  no  not,  and  what  makes  my 
situation  wors  than  bad,  and  destitute  of  the  real  comforts  of  life  (is 
not  this  an  Irish  histe) .  I  have  not  as  yet  got  two  such  boys  as  you 
Mentioned  but  shall  do  my  best  endeavour,  but  I  have  my  fears. 
Have  inclosed  a  Copy  of  Printis  Stores  Receipt  for  your  perusal  and 
satisfaction,  and  wish  to  have  your  Orders  concerning  him,  he  or 

some  body  deserves  to  be  D . 

Yours  of  the  ii*h  Instant  to  Capt.  Hopkins  was  by  him  presented 
to  me  last  evening,  in  which  I  saw  your  Order  for  either  Cap1.  Hop- 
kins, Riley  or  myself,  to  repair  to  Camp  without  delay,  I  cannot 
conceive  you  ment  either  Riley  or  myself  to  Join  unless  it  was  our 
choice,  therefore  shall  stay  untill  your  particular  order  arrives,  and 
for  the  following  importante  Reasons,  which  are  these  : — our  debts 
on  Long  Island  and  in  New  York  are  unpaid,  our  honors  at  stake, 
and  will  be  wounded  and  Tarnished  in  such  a  manner  if  not  paid 
soon  as  will  cause  me  wish  I  had  not  been  born.  2?d  We  have  a 
prospect  of  Receiving  a  Small  Supply  from  Jona  and  his  Apostles, 
and  we  have  apointed  Capt.  Riley  to  go  into  New  York  for  the  pur- 
pose of  settling  our  debts  of  honor,  which  business  he  is  [to]  go 
upon  as  soon  as  possible.  3*dly  My  own  perticular  reason  for  not 
wishing  to  Join  at  this  time  is,  all  my  futer  happiness  in  this  world 
in  a  great  Measure  depends  on  my  staying  hear  untill  the  campaign 
opens.  You  sir  cannot  but  know  that  my  domestic  affairs  are  in  a 
disagreeable  Situation,  my  AccV5  unsetled  and  if  not  adjusted  now 
perhaps  never  will  be,  nor  cannot  be,  if  any  Accident  should  happen 
to  me,  therefore  am  persuaded  you  will  see  the  propriety  and  Neces- 
sity of  my  staying  at  home  untill  the  campain  opens.-  4th1/  I  am 
administrator  on  Mr.  Pomeroy's  Estate  and  am  under  Obligation  to 
have  it  settled  imediately  5*h  I  have  not  a  Single  articule  of  stores, 
nor  any  Money  to  purches  them  with,  no,  not  enough  to  wet  the 
parchment  you  was  pleased  to  send  me  by  Captain  Williams,  which 
ought  to  be  done  in  a  proper  Maner.  After  all  that  I  have  said 
above  (which  are  facts)  Which  way  can  I  leave  home,  how  can  I 


dttts^jx- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  323 

git  to  camp,  if  I  had  the  greatest  desire,  without  Stores  or  Money  to 
pay  the  Necessary  expence  of  Traveling  to  camp.  6*h  and  lastly,  if 
your  Order  cannot  be  countermanded  in  respect  to  my  Joining  the 
Regiment  imediately,  you  lay  me  under  the  dissagreeable  Necessity 
of  sending  back  the  Commission  you  have  lately  honored  me  with, 
and  will  effectually  put  it  out  of  my  power  to  serve  my  Country  in 
this  way,  and  of  haveing  an  Oppertunity  of  doing  honor  or  dishonor 
to  the  Commission  I  have  lately  received. 

I  am  Dear  Sir  your  Sincere  friend,  And  Most  Obedient  and  Most 
Humbl  Servt  Edw?  Bulkley. 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WILLIAM   S.  SMITH. 

Head  Quarters,  [New  Windsor,]  Feb?  18th,  1781. 
D*  Saml  : 

Upon  my  arrival  at  Morris  Town  I  found  Letters  from  his  Excel- 
lency and  the  Marquis  the  contents  of  which  render' d  it  necessary 
that  I  should  set  off  immediately  for  Camp,  and  deprived  me  of  the 
promised  pleasure  of  visiting  your  family  as  I  intended  ;  but  as  I  am 
the  person  disappointed,  I  conclude  an  appology  to  you  is  in  some 
measure  unnecessary,  therefor. 

I  am  inform'd  that  the  arrangement  of  your  Line  is  return'd  to 
have  some  alterations  made,  if  I  Could  get  my  name  enroll'd  I  should 
be  happy  &  as  I  must  consider  myself  at  present  a  member  of  the 
state,  I  think  my  pretensions  not  slightly  founded. 

There  is  a  L*  Col?  Johnston  in  your  Line  who  I  am  inform'd 
wishes  for  an  opportunity  to  retire.  I  should  be  happy  to  give  him 
one  by  taking  his  place  in  the  Line.  It  can  injure  none  of  the  in- 
ferior officers  and  the  superior  I  flatter  myself  would  have  no  objec- 
tion. I  am  told  they  have  conversd  upon  this  subject,  &  no  objec- 
tions were  started  except  by  Lt.  Col?  Gray.  His  reasons  I  am  not 
acquainted  with,  therefore  cannot  give  my  sentiments  upon  them ; 
but  am  a  little  dubious  whether  they  will  stand  a  strict  scrutiny.  If 
they  should  refer  to  its  being  a  president  that  might  hereafter  prove 
injurious,  that  may  be  easily  obviated,  as  there  is  no  Gen*  at  present 
in  the  army  in  a  similar  situation ;  &  as  I  mean  to  enter  upon  no 
other  consideration  than  by  a  unanimous  consent  of  the  field  officers, 
it  will  be  setting  an  example  that  will  in  my  opinion  rather  be  of 


324        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

service  than  otherwise.     I  intended  to  have  waited  on  you  this 
morning,  but  am  detain'd  in  order  to  join  the  Marquis,  &c. 

If  you  will  inform  me  after  consulting  on  the  subject  how  matters 
stand,  I  shall  acknowledge  myself  obliged. 

Laurels  &  Life  attend  you  is  the  wish  of 

Wm.  S.  Smith 
&c.  &c. 


FROM   ALEXANDER   HAMILTON. 

22  February,  1781. 
My  Dear  Sir: 

From  different  occurrences  since  your  letter  to  the  General  ar- 
rived I  have  seen  no  favourable  moment  to  present  it.  It  shall  try 
its  fortune  to  day  and  you  shall  hear  from  me  tomorrow.  Assure 
yourself  that  whatever  depends  on  me  shall  be  done. 

Mr.s  H s  compliments. 

Adieu  A.  Hamilton. 


FROM  ALEXANDER  HAMILTON. 

Head  Quarters,  2  March,  1781. 
Dr  Sir, 

With  some  difficulty,  the  General  has  in  part  consented  to  your 
wishes.  Col  Hazen  is  going  to  Philadelphia  on  business — the  small 
number  of  Colonels  now  with  the  army  makes  him  unwilling  to  let 
you  be  absent  till  he  returns.  When  he  returns,  if  you  can  obtain 
General  Heath's  permission,  it  will  be  agreeable  to  The  General. 
You  may  make  use  of  this  letter  to  him. 

I  wish  I  could  have  got  the  matter  placed  on  a  better  footing. 
I  am  with  great  regard 

Yr.  friend  &  Ser. 

A.  Hamilton. 


TO  MAJOR-GENERAL  HEATH. 

Hutts,  3?  March  '81 
My  Dear  Gen1:  : 

Some  days  since  I  obtained  Gen1.  Parsons' s  per- 
mission to  leave  Camp,  prior  to  which  I  had  wrote 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  327 

in  Camp,  he  would  immediately  have  granted  my  re- 
quest,— he  being  absent  I  wrote  to  you  and  General 
Heath  encloseing  each  a  copy  of  Col°  Hamilton's  letter 
nameing  my  situation,  I  told  him  that  I  must  go  even 
at  the  expence  of  my  Commission,  and  wish'd  so  far 
his  sanction,  that  should  any  fault  be  found,  he  would 
be  my  friend, — after  leaveing  Camp  on  my  way  here  I 
received  his  answer  acquainting  me  that  had  the  Gen- 
eral left  it  to  him  entirely  he  would  not  have  objected 
to  my  going,  but  as  he  signify'd  a  desire  that  I  should 
stay  his  return  from  the  Eastward  he  dare  not  pretend 
to  give  me  leave, — this  I  knew  was  out  of  his  power, 
nor  could  I  expect  any  thing  more  from  him  than  to 
fairly  represent  my  situation  should  the  General  think 
my  conduct  blameable, — but  such  is  my  anxiety  that  I 
have  not  enjoyed  a  moment's  peace  of  mind  since  I  left 
Camp,  yet  such  was  the  circumstances  that  was  I  to  do 
again  I  should  think  my  Duty  obliged  me  to  take  the 
same  steps,  in  full  confidence  that  my  Superiors  would 
think  my  reasons  sufficient — On  my  arrival  I  found 
Mr.s  Bancker  very  ill,  tho:  something  better  than  she 
has  been, — Mr.s  Webb's  illness  was  occasion'd  by  an 
unfortunate  fall  you  will  readily  conceive  what  I  have 
reference  to, — and  can  easily  Judge  the  situation  of  the 
family  when  I  tell  you  they  are  separated  from  all  their 
friends,  and  not  a  Man  but  Myself  in  the  Circle — I 
have  been  thus  particular,  my  Dear  General,  to  con- 
vince you  the  necessity  there  was  of  my  being  here, 
and  to  induce  you  to  prevent  my  being  hereafter 
blamed, — should  General  Washington  take  up  the 
matter  as  a  disobedience  of  orders,  it  would  make  me 
one  of  the  most  wretched  beings  in  the  World — even 


328        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

to  receive  a  reprimand  from  him  would  be  next  to 
Death, — I  acknowledge  with  the  warmest  effusions  of 
my  Heart  that  I  have  long  experienced  your  friend- 
ship, and  am  sorry  that  this  occasion  should  offer  to 
cause  you  further  trouble — but  relying  on  your  usual 
goodness  I  now  take  the  liberty  of  requesting  as  a 
particular  favor,  you  will  be  kind  enough  to  write  His 
Excellency  as  soon  as  he  arrives  in  Camp,  acquainting 
him  that  prior  to  Hamilton's  letter  I  had  obtained  your 
permission  to  go, — that  as  he  had  gone  out  of  my 
reach,  at  a  time  when  the  situation  of  my  friends  calPd 
my  immediate  attention  I  had  gone  before  his  return, — 
here  my  Dear  Sir  you  can  add  that  my  Majr.  was  in 
Camp  &  agreed  to  continue  'till  either  myself  or  U. 
Co1.  Huntington  returned,  &  that  my  weekly  return 
was  only  24  Men  fit  for  Duty — But  why  should  I  dic- 
tate to  a  Man  of  your  Sensibility, — confident  I  am  you 
are  convinced  my  reasons  were  the  most  urgent  nature, 
and  I  can  not  doubt  your  Friendship. — I  am  led  to  be- 
lieve that  General  Washington  supposed  Majr.  Wyllys 
gone  with  the  Infantry  as  he  was  appointed  to  that 
command,  this  might  cause  him  to  desire  my  continue- 
ing  a  few  days  longer  in  Camp.  Heav'n  forbid  the 
General  should  suppose  I  would  ever  disobey  an  order 
of  his,  I  have  presumed  to  deviate  in  this  instance  upon 
supposition  that  could  I  have  seen  him  and  offer'd  my 
reasons  he  would  not  have  objected, — had  you  been  in 
Camp  I  should  have  found  a  friend  to  advise  with. 
Never  had  I  greater  reason  to  ask  it  than  on  this  oc- 
casion, my  Character  is  at  Stake  which  is  dearer  than 
life,  and  on  you  depends  in  a  great  measure  my  future 
happiness.     I  shall  without  delay  attend  to  the  busi- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  329 

ness  I  before  mentioned  to  you,  and  will  as  early  as 
possible  join  my  Regiment, — I  wish  not  to  be  absent 
for  a  moment  longer  than  I  can  get  my  Accounts  in 
tolerable  order,  which  I  hope  will  be  by  the  middle  of 
April, — I  will  thank  you  to  converse  with  General 
Heath  on  the  subject, — he  has  full  power  to  gratify  my 
wishes, — I  shall  anxiously  wait  my  Dear  Sir  to  get  a 
particular  letter  from  you  on  the  Subject, — if  you  write 
by  the  Post  direct  for  me  at  this  place  to  be  left  at  Mr. 
Vanvaeter's,  Rariton  Bridge, — Pardon  me  my  Dear 
Gen1,  for  the  liberty  I  have  taken  on  requesting  you  to 
take  so  much  trouble  on  my  ace1.  — if  a  grateful  Heart 
can  ever  repay  you,  it  will  not  be  wanting, — that  every 
felicity  may  attend  you  is  the  ardent  prayer  of,  my 
Dear  Sir, 

Your  very  Sincere  friend  and  Most 

Obed1.  Hum1.  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM  JOHN   PHILIPS. 

Connecticut  Camp,  Highlands, 
2 1  st  March,  1781. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

Affairs  in  Camp  since  you  left  us,  have  proceeded  in  the  same  old 
routine. — Recruits  arrive  but  slowly,  and  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  very 
few  of  those  which  have,  are  fallen  to  our  share ;  the  mode  pre- 
scribed in  general  orders  has  by  no  means  been  adopted — the  re- 
cruit has  been  suffered  to  chuse  his  regiment  to  serve  in,  and  that 
choice  has  generally  been  directed  by  the  Officer  conducting  them 
to  Camp  ;  none  of  ours  (commissioned  or  non-commissioned)  have 
been  employed  in  that  service,  for  which  reason  but  seven  or  eight 
men  out  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  have  joined  your  regiment ; 
this  is  the  only  reason  which  I  can  think  probable  (in  short  'tis  a 
damn'd  Connecticut  trick !) 


33Q        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

The  Companies  from  Susquehanna  have  arrived,  and  have  been 
disposed  of  in  the  same  manner,  not  a  single  man  has  fallen  to  us ; 
the  moment  General  Parsons  arrives,  I  am  determined  to  enter  a 
pointed  complaint  against  such  conduct,  and  should  that  measure 
prove  insufficient,  shall  desire  his  leave  to  wait  upon  his  Excellency, 
who,  in  that  case,  shall  not  want  proper  information  :  I  wish  to  know 
your  sentiments  as  to  furnishing  the  Regiment  with  leather  Caps,  if 
possible,  as  you  well  know  the  difficulty  of  procuring  Hats,  but  the 
former  I  imagine,  might  be  had  from  Connecticut ;  I  know  of  no 
other  chance  of  procuring  a  uniformity  in  that  part  of  dress. 

We  have  no  late  news  from  the  Eastward,  you  have  doubtless 
heard  of  the  embarkation  of  a  considerable  part  of  the  French 
troops ;  that  England  has  declared  war  with  Holland ;  and  I  wish  I 
could  add  the  prospect  of  Pay  for  the  Army ;  it  seems  our  wise  As- 
sembly are  much  nonpluss'd  about  that  same  thing  called  Pay ;  they 
never  ought  to  have  had  any  thing  to  do  with  that,  or  indeed  any 
thing  else  that  had  reference  to  the  army. 

Two  Captains  have  lately  joined,  Parsons  and  Allen ;  Hopkins  I 
am  informed  is  gone  Eastward  with  General  Howe,  if  so  probably  I 
may  differ  with  him,  as  you  are  acquainted  with  the  reasons  which 
he  urged  for  his  absence ;  your  party  for  deserters,  I  am  told,  has 
met  with  success,  and  that  they  are  on  their  way  to  Camp ;  I  have 
not  a  word  from  H — g — n,  nor  know  I  what  he  is  about. 

We  enjoy  ourselves  here  as  well  as  we  can ;  I  am  just  returned 
from  a  ramble  upon  one  of  our  highest  hills,  where  we  had  made  a 
match  at  firing  the  pistol.  I  feel  fatigued,  and  wish  you  a  good 
night — a  much  happier  one  than  will  fall  to  the  share  of 

Your  friend  and  humble  servant,  John  Philips.* 


FROM   JAMES   SEAGROVE. 

Phil*,  25th  March,  1781. 
Dear  Webb: 

I  have  receiv?  three  of  your  favours,  the  last  dated  the  9*h  Ins*  : 
and  am  truly  ashamed  of  my  indolence  in  not  having  wrote  you  be- 

*  Col.  Webb  was  then  on  the  North  Branch  of  the  Rariton,  New  Jersey.  The 
letter  was  intercepted  by  the  enemy,  and  printed  in  Rvvingtori 's  Gazette,  1 1  April, 
1781. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  331 

fore — but  so  it  is,  when  a  Man  has  not  anything  to  employ  him  he 
contracts  those  habits,  which  on  reflection  gives  him  pain,  and  makes 
him  appear  inatentive  to  his  friend.  It  is  more  than  probable  I 
shoud  have  sum'd  up  resolution  to  have  given  you  a  line  before,  but 
the  want  of  any  thing  Novel,  agreeable  or  interesting  has  in  a  great 
measure  prevented — and  sorry  am  I  to  think  that  at  this  moment  I 
am  equaly  destitute.  News  such  as  it  is  we  have  in  abundance — 
but  little  dependance  can  be  placed  in  repoart,  certain  it  is  we  are 
at  the  eve  of  important  events.  Lord  Cornwallis  and  Genl  Green 
with  a  few  Miles  of  each  other,  both  acting  with  much  caution,  and 
their  force  nearly  equal,  if  any  ods  Green  has  it.  Arnold  at  Ports- 
mouth, intrenched  with  aty  1500  or  at  most  2000  Men.  The  French 
Fleet  gon  there  with  1200  Grenadiers  the  Marquis  Fayet  1500  L* 
Infantry — Genl.  Guest  500  Continentals  from  Maryl4  and  ab*  4000 
Virginians  under  Muhlenberg  &  Weedon — are  the  force  to  attack 
him — those  with  the  assistance  of  the  shipping  I  think  must  do  his 
business.  Hope  and  wish  they  will  attack  him  without  delay,  as  we 
have  much  to  fear  from  the  arrival  of  the  British  Fleet  from  Qard- 
ners  Bay  with  the  late  embarckation  of  Troops  from  New  York.  If 
we  are  so  fortunate  as  to  Capture  Arnold  and  push  on  2000  Good 
troops  immediately  to  Green,  Cornwallis  must  fall ;  as  he  is  upwards 
of  300  miles  from  Charlestown,  &  200  from  any  seaport.  His  ad- 
vance into  N.  Carolina  was  in  my  opinion  rash,  and  may  prove  his 
ruin.  The  war  between  England  and  Holland  no  doubt  will  be  in 
favour  of  America  in  General,  but  individuals  feel  it  very  severely. 
This  Town  has  already  lost  by  the  capture  of  St.  Eustatius  not  less 
than  half  a  million  pounds  Hard  cash — and  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I 
contribute  to  this,  not  less  than  ^2000  St?  . 

I  am  affraid  I  shall  be  puzzled  to  get  your  Port  wine  and  Beer, 
but  if  in  Town  for  sale  you  shall  have  them  &  the  Corks  by  way  of 
Trenton  to  go  from  thence  in  a  Wagon  which  brings  up  some  goods 
of  your  Neighbour  Jn?  Shaw  who  is  the  bearer. 

Inclosed  you  have  some  of  our  late  prints  for  your  and  the  lady's 
amusement.  Please  present  my  best  regards  to  M?  Webb,  Miss 
Webb,  Mr.s  Bancker  &  Aunt  Polly — nothing  would  give  me  greater 
pleasure  then  to  pass  a  week  with  you  and  them,  but  remember  I 
am  bounded  by  the  Delawar.  I  am  to  thank  Jos.  and  you  for  the 
care  of  my  Mare — as  I  am  totaly  unhorsed,  and  the  pleasant  riding 


332        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

season  coming  on, — I  shall  be  obliged  if  you  will  send  her  to  me  by 
first  safe  hand  with  what  expenc  you  have  been  at.     Colo  Moyand 
[Moylan]  is  at  Lancaster,  forwarding  on  his  reg*  to  the  Southward. 
I  know  not  whether  he  gos  or  not.     I  should  think  not  as  his  Reg1, 
is  but  small  at  pres*  . 

We  are  in  momently  expectation  of  interesting  news  from  Green 
and  the  Marquis — God  grant  it  be  agreeable. 

I  wish  you  Health  and  Happiness  &  am  with  expectation  of  hear- 
ing from  you  by  every  oppty. 

Dear  Sir,  your  affect  Friend 

y.  Seagrove. 


FROM   COLONEL  MOYLAN. 

Philskill  Wednesday 
28  March  1781 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  bearer  will  deliver  you  a  Letter  which  my  Waggoner  brought 
with  some  things  for  you  from  Philadelphia,  he  returns  this  evening 
or  to-morrow  morning  with  my  heavy  baggage  as  my  rout  will  be  to 
the  Southw4  .  M?5  M.  will  accompany  me  to  Lancaster.  She  anx- 
iously wishes  to  see  the  Ladies  of  your  familly  before  she  goes,  can't 
you  bring  them  with  you  tomorrow  to  dinner,  it  will  give  this  fam- 
illy, and  it  will  give  me  great  pleasure  if  you  do — a  vessel  arrived  at 
Phil?  ,  saw  the  french  &  Brittish  fleets  engaged  last  Wednesday  off 
the  Capes  of  Virginia — their  force  was  very  near  equal  and  the 
honor  of  each  so  materially  engaged  that  it  must  be  a  bloody  con- 
flict.   Adieu  my  dear  Webb 

believe  me  truly  yr* 

Stephen  Moylan.* 


FROM   GOVERNOR   CLINTON. 

Poughkeepsie,  3  April  1781. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Your  letter  of  the  1 7*h  Ultimo  was  handed  to  me  a  few  days  ago 
at  Albany — I  flatter  myself  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  anything  to  in- 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  333 

duce  you  to  believe  it  would  give  me  pleasure  to  serve  you  or  any 
of  your  Friends  &  that  you  will  believe  me  when  I  assure  you  I  am 
unhappy  in  not  being  able  to  comply  with  your  Request  in  Favour 
of  Mrs  Banker — Besides  the  Impropriety  of  my  granting  a  Pass  to  a 
Person  not  residing  in  the  State  I  have  been  under  the  disagreeable 
Necessity  of  refusing  Similar  Indigencies  to  so  many  in  like  Cir- 
cumstances with  M?  Banker  that  an  interposition  in  her  Favour 
would  place  me  in  the  most  disagreeable  Situation  such  as  I  am  sure 
you  would  not  wish.  I  shall  be  happy  to  see  you — And  the  Reason 
which  prevented  it  when  you  wrote  me  being  now  removed  I  hope 
soon  to  have  that  Pleasure. 

Yours  sincerely 

Geo.  Clinton.* 


FROM   MAJOR  WYLLYS. 

Connectt  Camp,  4th  April,  1781. 
Dear  Colo  : 

Your's  of  the  7*h  March  is  just  now  come  to  hand —  I  sincerely 
condole  with  you  upon  Mrs.  Bancker's  &  Mrs.  W[ebb]'s  illness.  I 
have  been  both  at  H — d  quarters,  &  at  General  Heath's  but  know  of 
no  fault  found  with  your  conduct  in  leaving  Camp — Since  my  last 
we  have  had  upwards  of  thirty  recruits  joined  us  some  of  them  good 
Lads — the  former  measures  adopted  in  the  distribution  being  in 
some  degree  altered — Gen1.  Parson's  not  yet  arriving  in  Camp  has 
delayed  my  intended  proceedings — he  has  been  for  some  days  upon 
a  sick  bed  at  Reading — we  fear  dangerously  ill — it  is  unfortunate  for 
us — but  however,  be  the  distribution  at  present  as  it  may,  at  the 
opening  of  the  Campaign  the  Regiments  in  the  Line  must  &  will  be 
levelled — some  Gentlemen  are  apprehensive  of  it — &  will  probably 
not  be  pleased  with  it. 

We  have  began  to  put  our  Recruits  (most  of  them)  and  some  old 
Soldiers  into  innoculation — a  measure  absolutely  necessary,  as  the 
infection  is  spread  over  this  part  of  the  Country — I  am  only  sorry 
that  it  will  postpone  the  disciplining  the  Recruits — who  have  been 
put  under  the  Drill  upon  their  joining. 

We  have  no  news  here  but  what  must  have  reached  you  ere  this. 

*  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


334        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Capt*  Bulkley  &  Williams  arrived  in  Camp  the  2d  Jnst. — friends  all 
well  at  Wethersfield — Salmon  in  great  plenty — I  have  taken  Bulkley 
into  our  Hutt,  as  I  found  it  not  good  to  be  alone — He  with  the  other 
Gentlemen  of  the  Reg*  present  their  Compliments  to  you.  The 
Assembly  of  Connec1.  have  imposed  taxes  for  our  payment — but  I 
have  little  faith  in  receiving  it  soon — it  will  be  next  to  impossible  for 
me  to  exist  here  longer  than  the  1st  of  May — at  least  with  any  ap- 
pearance of  that  decency  which  I  have  ever  wished  to  keep  up  in 
your  Reg*  .  it  will  be  difficult  to  draw  on  H[un]t[ingto]n  he  has 
wound  himself  up  in  Committee  business — and  is  prepared  to  ward 
off  every  attack — and  I  can  find  no  prospect  unless  you  alleviate  the 
difficulty  by  your  presence — Gen1.  Parsons  will  not  probably  be  here 
this  month — my  dilligence  &  attention  to  the  Reg1,  shall  not  be  want- 
ing while  I  am  able  to  tarry  with  it.  Please  to  present  my  best 
Compliments  to  Mrs.  &  Miss  W —  and  believe  me 
Your  sincere  friend  &  humble  servt. 

Jno.  P.  Wyllys. 

FROM  LIEUTENANT  PARSONS. 

Hartford,  6th  April,  1781. 
Dear  Colo  : 

By  the  enclosed  papers  you  will  se  my  determination,  which  has 
been  unavoidable.  I  have  therefore  only  to  express  my  feelings  on 
the  occasion,  which  are  unhappy.  Having  had  the  Honor  of  serv- 
ing under  your  order  with  the  Gentlemen  of  your  Reg1,  adds  much 
to  the  natural  regrett  I  feel  at  leaving  Service,  and  the  Polite  treat- 
ment I  received  from  your  self  will  indear  to  me  the  remembrance 
of  that  short  but  happy  portion  of  my  time,  and  for  which  I  request 
you  to  accept  of  my  warmest  thanks. 

Having  had  the  misfortune  of  wounding  myself  will  prevent  my 
comeing  to  the  Reg1,  soon,  for  which  reason  I  have  to  request  a  re- 
commendation from  your  self  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  for  my 
Dismission.  This  I  wish  to  be  done  as  soon  as  may,  as  it  will  be  a 
matter  of  Delicacy  at  the  opening  of  the  Campaign.  I  should  have 
sent  sooner  but  had  not  opportunity.  If  you  think  proper  to  men- 
tion my  being  disabled  from  doing  Marching  for  some  time  by  my 
wound,  I  shall  be  glad,  though  I  do  not  offer  that  as  a  reason. — I 
shall  come  to  the  Reg1,  as  soon  as  I  find  my  self  able  to  settle  any 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  335 

matters  that  may  be  necessary.  I  should  be  very  glad  to  have  my 
Dismission  forwarded  to  Hartford  and  Lodged  at  the  Printing 
Office.  Request  my  Respects  to  Maj*  Wyllys  &  Officers  of  the  Reg* 
and  should  think  myself  obiiged  to  have  an  Opportunity  to  divide 
with  Any  my  rural  fare.  Wish  glorious  and  immediate  Conclusion 
to  the  War  and  an  Honorable  Settlement  with  the  Army. 
Am  with  the  greatest  Respect,  Your  obedient  Humble  Servt. 

Jabez  Parsons.* 


FROM   MAJOR  WYLLYS. 

Connect  Camp,  18  April,  1781. 
Dear  Coll  : 

Major  Throop  yesterday  arrived  from  the  Marquis's  detachment 
and  I  am  obliged  to  take  up  the  tour  upon  the  old  appointment.  I 
set  off  to-morrow  for  Hartford  in  order  to  put  myself,  in  some  de- 
gree, in  a  condition  to  take  the  field.  I  saw  Col?  Durkee,  who  now 
commands  the  Line,  this  evening — he  desired  me  to  make  you  his 
Compliments,  &  inform  you  that  he  "wished  to  see  you  in  Camp  as 
soon  as  you  can  conveniently  come  on."  Indeed  the  welfare  of  your 
Regiment  will  require  your  presence  soon — it  is  impossible  to  draw 
H[unti]n[g]t[o]n  from  Connecticut.  Genl  Parsons  is  not  yet  able 
to  take  command — he  still  continues  at  Reading.  Recruits  may 
soon  be  expected  in  considerable  numbers.  Yourself  will  judge  of 
the  necessity  of  your  being  here  in  season.  I  am  extremely  sorry  if 
my  going  upon  this  tour  shall  oblige  you  to  leave  your  affairs  in  a 
manner  different  from  what  you  should  wish — but  I  could  not,  con- 
sistent with  a  Soldier's  honour,  have  refused  it. 

I  have  received  no  letters  from  you,  excepting  one  dated  the  7*h 
March.  I  have  sent  you  three  or  four  different  packets — one  of 
which  I  apprehend  was  carried  into  N  York  with  the  post — it  con- 
sisted of  a  number  of  Letters  from  different  persons.  If  I  shall  not 
see  you  at  Camp  before  my  return  from  the  Eastward,  I  will  do  my- 
self the  pleasure  to  call  upon  you  in  my  way  to  the  Southward. 

I  am,  S*  ,  your's  sincerely 

Jn?  P.  Wyllys. 

The  Field  officers  send  CompV5  &  wish  to  see  you. 

*  Lieutenant  Israel  Strong  also  applied  for  his  discharge  on  the  27th,  adding, 
"  I  could  wish  to  come  my  self  But  I  have  not  money  a  nuf  in  the  world  to  Bare 
my  Expences  to  the  Regt  nither  is  it  in  my  Power  to  get  it." 


336        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

COURT   MARTIAL   PROCEEDINGS. 

7  May,  1781. 
A  Gen"  Court  Martial  Held  by  Order  of  Major  Gen"  Parsons  for 
the  tryal  of  such  prisoners,  as  shall  be  brought  before  them. 
Col?  Sam!  B.  Webb  President. 
Cap1.  [Samuel]  Comstock  Cap*  [Richard]  Sill 

Cap*  [Thomas]  Converse  Cap*  Dustin  [Durkee?] 

Cap*  [Stephen]  Potter  L*.  [Ephraim]  Kimberly 

L*.  Taylor  L*  [Thomas]  Starr 

L*  [Nehemiah]  Gorham  L*  [Reuben]  Sanderson 

L*  [Samuel]  Deforrest  Esg?  [Abner]  Cole. 

Thomas  Langley  Collyer  is  Committed  to  Guard  for  Correspond- 
ing and  giving  or  attempting  to  give  intelligence  to  the  Enemy. 
The  Prisoner  pleads  Not  Guilty  to  the  Charge.  I  James  Darby  be- 
ing sworn  do  testify  that  the  letter  now  before  the  Court  Sign?  by 
the  name  of  Thomas  Langly  Collyer  was  found  on  me  when  taken 
and  that  s<?  Collyer  gave  me  that  letter  to  carry  to  Long  Island  and 
that  Collyer  advised  me  in  My  present  situation  to  go  to  the  Enemy 
&  s?  Collyer  desired  me  to  cut  out  the  name  which  I  did  &  that  I  the 
s?  Darby  was  Virtually  to  inform  Col?  Ludlow  the  same  particulars 
Contained  in  the  letter — 

The  Prisoner  pleads  in  his  defence  that  he  never  advised  s?  Darby 
to  go  to  the  Enemy  &  that  he  wrote  the  letter  only  in  part  that  he 
never  wrote  to  Col?  Ludlow  before  &  said  that  he  had  no  vue  in 
writing  the  Letter — This  Prisoner  throws  himself  upon  the  Mercy 
of  the  Court. 

The  Court  after  Considering  the  Evidence  and  Circumstances  are 
of  opinion  that  the  Prisoner  is  guilty  of  a  Breach  of  the  io*h  Article 
io*h  Section  of  the  Articles  of  War — &  do  there  fore  Sentence  him 
to  suffer  Death  more  than  two  thirds  of  the  Court  agreeing  therein. 

Sam^  B.  Webb,  Pres* 
May  7*h  1781. 


FROM  MAJOR-GENERAL  PARSONS. 

Redding,  7th  May,  '8i 
D»  s* 

I  have  received  the  Proceedings  of  the  Court  in  the  Trials  of 

Beardsly,  Turner,  Newman  &  Collier,  but  the  last  Trial  is  imperfect, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  337 

the  Letter  on  which  the  Conviction  Seems  to  be  founded,  not  being 
inserted  in  the  Proceedings  or  sent  with  them,  that  the  Evidence  on 
which  you  have  convicted  him  does  not  appear ;  this  you  will  Supply 
by  sending  the  Letter. 

To  Morrow  when  the  Provisions  are  ready  to  move  you  will  please 
to  order  an  Escort  for  them,  how  large  you  will  judge ;  a  guard  with 
the  Prisoners  to  Litchfield  &  Symsbury  must  be  sent  to  Morrow  if 
possible,  and  a  Guard  retained  at  Danbury  with  the  Prisoners,  until 
the  remaining  Part  of  the  Prisoners  are  ready  to  be  mov'd  when  all 
the  Guard  will  escort  the  Provisions  on,  together  with  such  Prisoners 
as  remain  in  the  Guard  House.  These  Directions  you  will  please  to. 
give  to  the  Officer  who  relieves  you,  when  the  Guard  removes  the- 
Court  martial  will  adjourn  until  they  are  orderd  to  Sit  again  in  Camp. 
I  think  it  will  be  proper  to  desire  Dr.  Rogers  to  attend  the  Persons 
who  are  capitally  convicted. 

I  am  S^  ,  Y\  Obed*.  Serv'.  . 

Sam^  H.  Parsons. 


FROM   ENSIGN   BOOTH. 

Stratford,  14th  May,  1781. 
Dear  Colonel: 

I  have  wrote  you  twice  before  but  the  persons  that  I  sent  By  did 
not  Reach  camp,  and  have  Return*?  them  to  me  again.  I  have  been 
very  anxious  in  haveing  some  direct  oppertunity  to  send  to  the 
Reg4.  ,  But  am  fearfull  that  I  shall  not  meet  With  any  till  my  fur- 
lough expires,  if  not  I  shall  imbrace  the  Earliest  I  possible  can.  My 
indisposition  of  health  has  been  such  almost  ever  since  I  left  camp 
that  it  has  Renderd  me  Unfit  for  almost  any  kind  of  duty,  I  have 
also  mett  with  a  very  misfortinate  accident  by  hurting  my  hand 
and  Arm  so  that  it  renders  it  at  present  intirely  useless,  and  am  fear- 
full  it  will  be  some  time  before  that  I  have  the  use  of  it  Again.  Also 
the  situation  of  my  family  being  such  that  it  is  impossible  for  me  to 
continue  in  service,  as  my  wife  has  for  all  the  Campaign  past  expe- 
rienced a  long  train  of  sickness,  And  it  is  doubtful  whether  she  ever 
Recovers  her  health  again  as  her  disorder  is  some  what  similar  from 
almost  any  of  the  female  sex,  Which  in  the  first  place  was  occa- 


33&        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

sioned  by  the  fall  of  a  horse  in  Octr  '79.  I  think  it  my  duty  under 
the  Circumstances  of  my  family  to  Retire  from  service,  as  I  am  very 
much  Reducd  by  the  continuance  of  the  war  so  that  I  cannot  with- 
out any  pay  which  is  remaining  due  furnish  myself  with  Cloathing 
which  is  decent,  being  destitute  of  Parents  to  Give  me  or  family  any 
Assistance,  tho  it  gives  me  great  pain  to  leave  a  Reg'  in  which  I  ever 
have  been  happy  in  serving  ever  since  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
being  incorporated  with. 

Dear  Col?  I  send  Inclosed  my  resignation  and  Commission  which 
would  wish  might  be  Compleated  as  soon  as  Possible.  Under  the 
many  disagreeable  Circumstances  Which  I  Labour  under,  I  have  the 
highest  expectation  to  think  that  the  Col?  will  give  me  every  possi- 
ble assistance  in  obtaining  my  permission  to  Retire ;  and  it  always 
will  be  esteemed  by  me  as  a  peculiar  favour.  I  have  not  any  Ac- 
counts to  settle  with  the  publick  nor  Reg1.  ,  only  my  pay. 

I  am  sir  with  Every  sentiment  of  honnor  Your  Humbl  Serv* 

Nath^  Booth. 

I  could  wish  the  Col?  would  do  me  the  favour  to  wright  me  soon 
as  I  shall  wish  if  possible  to  have  my  permission  to  Retire  in  a  short 
time.  I  shall  indeavour  to  Join  the  Reg*  as  soon  as  Able  but  can- 
not under  my  Present  situation  Continue  in  Service. 


Stratford  in  Connecticut,  May  12,  1781. 
To  his  Excellency  General  Washington  : 

After  Serveing  my  Country  six  years  in  the  glorious  cause  of  Lib- 
erty, am  at  length  reduced  to  the  Necessity  of  Solissiting  your  Ex- 
cellencies permission  to  retire,  a  distressed  family  now  calls  me  from 
the  field,  Being  almost  destitute  of  any  [of]  the  Necessaries  of  Life 
to  support  them,  by  Reason  of  sickness  which  they  have  experienced 
all  the  last  Campaign  and  is  still  continueing  upon  them,  so  that  it 
caJls  upon  me  by  every  sacred  tie  of  humanity  to  Relieve  their  dis- 
tresses as  much  as  lyes  in  my  power,  which  I  cannot  do  whilst  in 
service,  as  I  am  greatly  Reducd  by  the  continueance  of  the  war  so 
that  I  am  not  able  to  furnish  myself  with  Cloathing  &  other  Neces- 
saries that  are  decent  and  needfull  whilst  in  service.  Neither  can  I 
do  it  without  my  pay  which  is  Remaining  due  Being  destitute  of 


& 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  339 

Parants  to  give  me  or  my  family  any  Assistance  I  have  also  devoted 
up  the  best  part  of  my  days  with  Cheerfulness  in  the  Service  of  my 
Country,  which  has  very  much  hurt  my  Constitution  and  much  di- 
minished my  private  interest. 

Under  these  distressing  Circumstances  which  I  have  mentioned,  I 
have  the  greatest  Reason  to  think  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased 
to  grant  me  permission  to  retire  from  service. 

I  wish  your  Excellency  and  Army  under  your  Command  and  all 
our  Allies  every  possible  success  in  the  several  departments  which 
they  Command,  and  hope  soon  to  see  Amarican  independence  es- 
tablished to  her  upon  such  lasting  foundations  that  no  power  can 
destroy. 

I  am  with  every  Respect  your  Excellencies  most  Obedient  and 
Hum1.  Serv* 

NathV  Booth, 
Ensign  3*  Conn1.  Reg*  . 


THE  CONFERENCE  AT  WETHERSFIELD. 
On  May  8th  the  Count  Rochambeau  learned  of  the  arrival  at 
Boston  of  the  frigate  Concorde,  with  Count  Barras  and  Viscount 
Rochambeau.  For  months  the  American  army  and  its  French  allies 
had  been  reduced  to  inactivity,  because  they  were  not  strong  enough 
to  cope  with  the  enemy.  Plan  after  plan  was  conceived,  only  to  be 
laid  aside,  for  the  second  division  of  the  French  army  had  been  de- 
layed, and  its  active  co-operation  was  essential  to  success.  Roch- 
ambeau at  once  wrote  to  Washington  asking  for  a  conference,  at  any 
time  or  place  he  might  name,  and  expressed  the  wish  that  the  French 
minister,  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerne,  might  also  be  present.  Washing- 
ton named  Wethersfield,  Connecticut,  as  the  place,  and  the  twenty- 
first  of  May  as  the  day.  He  selected  Wethersfield  in  preference  to 
Hartford,  because  the  State  legislature  was  in  session  at  the  time, 
and  might  occasion  some  inconvenience.  The  French  commanders 
acquiesced  in  this  arrangement,  and  set  out  from  Newport.  Wash- 
ington left  New  Windsor  on  May  18th,  accompanied  by  Generals 
Knox  and  Duportail,  and  reached  Morgan's  tavern  forty  three  miles 
from  Fishkill  Landing,  after  dining  at  Colonel  Vanderbergh's. 
Pursuing  his  journey  on  the  19th,  he  breakfasted  at  Litchfield,  dined 


340         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 


at  Farmington,  and  on  reaching  Weathersfield,  went  to  the  Webb 
house,  where  he  and  his  suite  were  entertained. 

'•Hartford,  May  29th,  1781. — On  Saturday  the  19th.  inst.  his  ex- 
cellency General  Washington,  accompanied  by  Gen.  Knox,  Gen.  Du 
Portail,  and  their  respective  suites,  arrived  at  Wethersfield ;  being 
escorted  into  town  by  a  number  of  Gentlemen  from  Hartford  and 
Wethersfield.  As  he  dismounted  at  his  quarters  he  was  saluted  by 
a  discharge  of  thirteen  cannon,  by  the  corps  of  artillery,  under  the 
command  of  Cap4.  Frederick  Bull.  On  Monday  the  21st.  inst.  his 
excellency  the  Count  de  Rochambeau,  commanding  the  army  of  his 
most  Christian  Majesty  at  Newport,  Gen.  Chastelleux,  and  their 
suites,  arrived  at  Wethersfield.  They  were  met  at  Hartford,  by  his 
Excellency  General  Washington,  the  officers  of  the  army,  and  a 
number  of  gentlemen,  who  accompanied  them  to  Wethersfield,  where 
they  were  saluted  by  the  discharge  of  cannon.  Every  mark  of  at- 
tention and  politeness  were  shewn  their  excellencies,  and  the  other 
gentlemen  of  the  allied  armies  while  attending  the  convention." — 
Connecticut  Historical  Collections,  55. 

Two  short  diaries  remain  of  this  conference,  and  I  give  the  ex- 
tracts in  parellel  columns. 


General  Washington. 

20th  Had  a  good  deal  of  private  con- 
versation with  Governor  Trumbull,  who 
gave  it  to  me  as  his  opinion,  that,  if  any 
important  offensive  operation  should  be 
undertaken,  he  had  little  doubt  of  our 
obtaining  men  and  provision  adequate 
to  our  wants.  In  this  opinion  Colonel 
[Jeremiah]  Wadsworth  and  others  con- 
currred. 

2 1  st  Count  de  Rochambeau,  with  the 
Chevalier  de  Chastellux,  arrived  about 
noon.  The  appearance  of  the  British 
fleet,  under  Admiral  Arbuthnot,  off 
Block  Island,  prevented  the  appearance 
of  the  Count  de  Barras. 

22<i  Fixed  with  Count  de  Rocham- 
beau the  plan  of  campaign.     *     *     * 

23d  Count  de  Rochambeau  set  out  on 
his  return  to  Newport,  while  I  prepared 


Governor  Trumbull. 
Lord's  Day,  May  twentieth.  Went 
with  Cap*  Fred.  Bull  in  a  carriage  to 
Wethersfield — attended  divine  service 
with  General  Washington  per  tot  diem. 
Mr.  March  preached.  Mat.  7,  3 — 
blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit,  for  theirs 
is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 


Monday,  twenty  first.    Fair — invited 
to  Col.  [John]  Chester's. 


Tuesday,  twenty  second.  Fair  — 
dined  with  General  Washington,  Roch- 
ambeau, &c.  at  Stillman's. 

Wednesday,  twenty  third.  Fair  — 
dined  at  Colyer's  with  the  Generals — 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  343 

and  sent  to  me  as  soon  as  possible,  with  the  price  in  specie,  which 
shall  be  immediately  forwarded  to  you. — 

Upon  my  return  from  Weathersfield  I  found  Mr.s  Washington  ex- 
tremely unwell,  she  still  continues  low  and  weak,  but  will  set  out  for 
the  Southward  as  soon  as  she  can  bear  the  fatigue  of  the  journey ; 
she  joins  me  in  compliments  and  best  wishes  to  yourself,  M?5  and 
Miss  Webb — I  cannot  conclude  without  assuring  you  that  I  have  a 
high  sense  of  your  politeness  and  attention  to  me  while  I  was  at 
Weathersfield — and  that  I  should  at  all  times  be  happy  to  see  you  at 
head  Qr.s 

I  am  D?  Sir,  Y'  Most  Obed1.  &  Oblige  Serv' 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   DOCTOR   HENRY   LATIMER. 

Depty  Adjj  Genls  Quarters 
19th  June,  1 78 1. 
D«  Sir  : 

It  was  my  Intention  to  have  called  at  your  Regiment,  to  give 
some  necessary  Directions  respecting  those  who  have  the  small  Pox, 
but  the  Wind  blowing  hard,  &  the  Tide  ebbing,  has  rendered  it  im- 
practicable ;  have  therefore  to  request  you  to  order  such  as  have  the 
Small  Pox  (reported  to  be  therein)  to  be  immediately  sent  to  the 
Small  Pox  Hospl  in  the  rear  of  the  New  Hampshire  Brigade,  with 
some  carefull  persons  to  prevent  them  having  any  communication  on 
the  way  with  such  as  may  not  have  had  them. 

If  you  can  also  send  a  Person  to  Murderer's  Creek  to-morrow,  I 
will  endeavour  to  procure  some  stores  for  their  use,  as  well  as  several 
others,  who  are  already  in  that  Hospital. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  Respect,  your  Hb.le  Servant 

Hy  Latimer 
Phy!  &  Surg1}  Flying  Hospital. 
P.  S.     I  will  be  particularly  obliged  to  you,  if  you  hear  of  any 
others  having  the  Disease  besides  those  of  your  Reg*  ,  to  order  them 
also  to  the  Hospl  ,  that  we  may,  if  possible,  prevent  the  Disease 
being  communicated. 


344         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 
TO    JOSEPH    WEBB. 

Camp  at  Peekskill, 

Wednesday,  June  27,  1781. 
My  dear  Bro  : 

Your  letter  of  the  18th  inst.  Br.  Jack  sent  me  yester- 
day. I  have  wrote  you  several  times  on  the  subject 
you  mention  and  have  now  enclosed  a  letter  calculated 
for  you  to  shew  the  Governor  which  I  earnestly  entreat 
you  will  as  soon  as  possible. 

Mrs.  Bancker  can  go  by  the  way  of  Elizabeth  Town 
which  will  save  a  great  deal  of  trouble ;  besides,  I  am 
sure  it  would  not  be  agreeable  to  Gen'l  Washington  to 
have  any  flags  passing  on  this  side  at  present,  but  from 
the  Jersey  side  there  will  be  no  difficulty. 

Doct'r  Cochran  left  the  Raritan  on  Saturday  last, 
when  he  called  to  see  Mrs.  Webb  and  found  her  yet  in 
a  low  state  of  health :  so  much  so  that  she  is  most  of 
the  time  confined  to  her  bed,  but  has  had  no  return  of 
raising  blood  since  I  left  her.  I  natter  myself  with 
proper  care,  she  will  'ere  long  regain  her  health — 
Hetty  and  the  rest  of  the  family  were  well — Brother 
Jack  has  been  disappointed  about  going  after  her,  on 
acc't  of  our  taking  the  Field.  It  is  fortunate  on  acc't 
of  Betsey's  illness,  and  I  am  truly  sorry  her  friends  at 
Wethersfield  should  be  so  very  urgent  for  her  coming 
home  this  season — However,  as  it  is,  Br.  Jack  will  take 
the  earliest  opportunity  to  conduct  her  home.  As  for 
me,  it  will  be  out  of  my  power,  till  the  compaign  is 
over,  to  leave  my  Reg't,  as  Major  Wyllys  is  with  the 
Marquis,  and  Lieut- Col.  Huntington  has  this  morning 
been  detached  to  serve  with  Col.  Scammel  on  the 
Lines,  and  probably  will  be  absent  most  of  the  season. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  345 

This,  however,  gives  me  no  pain — I  can  do  as  well 
without  him  as  with  him. 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign,  my  present  intention 
is,  if  Mrs.  Webb's  health  will  permit,  to  see  you  at 
Wethersfield  and  possibly  pass  the  winter  there  with 
you. 

I  have  wrote  you  on  several  subjects  since  I  left  you, 
which  you  have  not  noticed.  It  would  add  much  to  the 
pleasure  I  take  in  writing  if  I  could  obtain  answers — 
You  have  twice  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  my  letters 
and  given  no  answers  to  many  requests  they  have 
contained — If  you  have  leisure  I'll  thank  you  to  look 
them  over  when  next  you  write. 

I  have  enclosed,  for  the  perusal  of  you,  Chester  and 
other  friends,  the  present  order  of  Battle — You  can 
show  it  to  those  you  think  proper,  and  will  readily  see 
the  impropriety  of  giving  out  any  copies. 

Our  march  towards  Kingsbridge  depends  on  a  num- 
ber of  circumstances — We  are  at  present  destitute  ot 
every  necessary  but  provision — The  Qr.  Master's  de- 
partment cannot  furnish  horses  to  move  a  single  Bri- 
gade; beside  this,  our  present  numbers  will  not  justify 
our  taking  a  critical  position — Connecticut,  'tis  univers- 
ally said,  for  two  years  past  has  done  nothing  at  all — 
Her  supplies  have  been  trifling — her  promises  great — 
and  her  exertions  a  Puff.  Of  this  our  present  weak- 
ness in  men  is  a  shameful  proof,  and  I  am  sorry  to  say 
that  they  are  now  taking  every  step  in  their  power  to 
cause  a  total  dissolution  of  the  Line. 

The  Committee  have  returned,  and  was  the  Assem- 
bly's conduct  known,  I  should  dread  the  consequences 
— Everything,   at   present   is   quiet — The    Committee 


346         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

have  laid  their  report  before  General  Parsons,  he,  before 
the  Commander-in-Chief,  and  measures  are  taking  by 
then  that  the  Line  may  not  know  the  present  prospects 
respecting  their  pay,  &c,  until  some  steps  are  taken  to 
shew  the  State  the  folly  they  are  running  into — Heaven 
smiles  on  us  and  holds  our  Freedom  and  Peace  while 
our  Country  is  doing  (seemingly)  everything  in  its 
power  to  bring  eternal  infamy  and  disgrace  on  them- 
selves and  us. 

On  this  you  may  rely — If  the  present  moment  is  not 
taken  to  do  justice  to  those  who  are  sacrificing  their  all 
in  the  cause  of  justice,  steps  will  be  taken  which  will  be 
truly  alarming — Without  aggrevation  I  do  assure  you, 
when  the  verdict  of  the  Assembly  is  known,  I  fear  a 
general  mutiny — All  is  kept  secret  yet,  in  hopes  Gen- 
eral Washington  will  take  the  matter  up,  and  get  a  new 
Assembly  called. 

Time  will  not  permit  my  being  more  particular  on 
this  subject.  I  intended  writing  my  sister,  your  other 
self,  but  cannot  at  present;  yet  I  hope  to  hear  from 
her  when  a  good  conveyance  offers. 

Present  my  love  to  her  and  Abby  and  the  two  little 
prattlers — Remember  me  to  Chester  and  the  good  peo- 
ple of  his  family  &  be  assured  I  am  affectionately, 
Your  friend  and  Brother, 

Sam'l  B.  Webb.* 

If  convenient  I  wish  you  to  purchase  me  half  a 
quintal  of  Good  Codfish. 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  130. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  347 

TO    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   TILGHMAN. 

Phillipsburgh,  i  1  *h  July,  1781 — 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  enclosed  was  presented  for  my  approbation  this 
Morning  —  I  truly  believe  the  situation  is  as  Mr. 
[Isaiah]  Betts  represents, — &  tho'  I  am  short  of 
officers  I  cannot  but  say  I  am  willing  he  should  be  dis- 
charged, as  I  am  confident  he  cannot  on  several  Ac- 
counts make  an  officer  like  appearance,  he  was  a  Ser- 
jant  in  the  old  Second  promoted  &  in  corporated  into 
My  Reg1.  — he  has  only  been  a  few  days  with  the  Reg1, 
am  therefore  Unacquainted  with  his  Abilities, — how- 
ever I  sincerely  wish  many  valuable  officers  may  not 
be  obliged  to  leave  the  Service,  for  the  same  Reasons 
Mr.  Betts  offers.  If  some  exertions  are  not  speedily 
made  by  the  State  to  supply  the  Line  with  Money  and 
adjust  their  pay  for  80  &c.  — I  am  persuaded  more 
two  thirds  the  officers  will  leave  us, — nor  are  the  Men 
so  easy  as  I  could  wish. 

I  am  Sir  Your  Most  obe<!  Ser*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


TO    JEREMIAH    WADSWORTH. 

Camp  at  Phillipsburgh, 
July  13!11  1 781 
Dear  Wadsworth  : 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  seen  you  again  before 
you  left  Camp, — but  Duty  forbids, — I  have  already 
fully  explained  to  you  the  motives  Mrs.  Bancker  has  in 
going  to  New  York — you'll  will  perceive  it  is  a  matter 
of  Consequences  to  me,  I  have  therefore  to  request 


348        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

your  personal  application  to  our  worthy  friend  Gover- 
nor Trumbull  for  a  permit  for  her  to  visit  New  York, — 
the  earlier  the  better — my  hurry  and  our  present  situ- 
ation apologize  for  this  Scrawl, — be  assured  I  am  with 
sincerity  yr.  friend  & 

Obed*.  Sei* 

Sam1:  B.  Webb.* 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   SMITH. 

Headquarters,  July  16th  1781. 
My  dear  Sam  : 

I  have  spoke  to  his  Excellency  agreeable  to  your  request,  and 
have  obtained  with  great  difficulty  permission  for  you  to  visit  your 
amiable  connections  on  the  banks  of  the  Raritan.  Nothing,  my 
friend,  but  the  particular  situation  of  Mrs.  Webb  (which  I  painted 
in  as  lively  colours  as  I  was  capable)  could  possibly  have  induced 
the  General  to  comply  with  the  request.  He  considers  his  character 
as  well  as  yours  in  some  measure  at  stake,  and  therefore  requests  you 
will  not  exceed  the  period  you  mentioned  to  me. 

Tell  the  good  ladies  when  you  leave  them,  that  they  must  not  ex- 
pect to  see  you  again,  until  the  end  of  the  Campaign  &  remember 
me  to  them  separately  and  collectively  as  particularly  as  you  think 
proper,  and  accept  of  the  assurance  of  friendship  from 

Wm.  S.  Smith. 


TO  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  OF  CONNECTICUT. 

To  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Council  of  Safety,  State  of 
Connecticut 
The  Memorial  of  Sam1.  B.  Webb  humbly  sheweth 
That  he  is  married  to  the  Daughter  of  Mr.s  Bancker,  & 
that  she  was  before  the  Warr  a  resident  in  New  York 
City,  where  she  left  behind  her,  as  she  fled  in  great 
trepidation  from  our  Enemies  the  British  Troops,  sun- 

*  From  the  Wadsworth  MSS.  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  J.  F.  Morris,  of  Hartford. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  349 

dry  Papers  &  Documents  relating  to  the  Estate  of 
your  memorialists  Wife, — which  being  in  the  Hands  of 
a  person  going  to  Europe  can  not  be  recovered  but  by 
Mr.s  Banckers  going  into  the  City  of  New  York — Your 
Memorialist  therefore  begs  your  Honours  to  grant 
Permission  to  M?  Bancker  to  go  through  the  Con- 
necticut Lines  into  said  City  &  return  into  this  State 
with  said  Papers,  as  there  is  no  other  possible  Means 
of  obtaining  them,  &  the  fortune  of  your  Memorialist 
&  Wife  depended  on  their  being  speedily  obtained — 
Your  Memorialist  therefore  prays  your  Honours  to 
grant  his  request  &  he  as  in  duty  bound  shall  ever  pray 

Sam1:  B.  Webb* 
Camp  Philipsburgh 
July  20,  1 781 

TO    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    SMITH. 

Camp,  3"?  Aug1.  1781, 
Dear  Smith  : 

The  day  before  we  march' d  from  Peekskill  I  in- 
formed His  Excellency  that  I  thought  myself  injured 
in  my  Rank  with  respect  to  Col°  [Heman]  Swift,  & 
requested  a  Board  of  Officers  might  sit  to  determine 
the  justice  of  our  Pretensions. 

The  Gen1,  told  me  it  was  impossible  at  that  time  to 
attend  to  matters  of  Rank,  &  intimated  that  my  rea- 
sons for  asking  a  Board  should  be  committed  to  writ- 
ing, from  that  time  to  this  I  have  waited  in  hopes  Col. 
Swift  would  submit  the  matter  to  any  two  or  three 
Generals  of  our  own  chooseing — but  find  he  will  not, — 
I  am  led  to  believe  that  he  refuses  this  in  hopes  His 
Excelly  will  refuse  a  Board  on  the  Subject — I  cannot 

*  From  the  Trumbull  Papers  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society. 


350        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

however  suppose  this  will  be  the  case,  as  my  reasons 
for  asking  it  are  I  conceive  better  founded  than  any 
others  have  been, — Boards  of  Officers  were  sitting  in 
'j&  &  '79  for  the  settlement  of  Rank  throughout  the 
Army,  at  this  time  I  was  in  Captivity  &  therefore  could 
not  lay  in  my  Claims,  nor  had  I  ever  the  most  Distant 
Idea  Col°  Swift  would  claim  the  Rank  of  me,  what 
president  he  has  to  suppose  he  will  obtain  it,  I  am  un- 
able to  say,  conscious  I  am  if  justice  takes  place  he  will 
not. — In  '75  I  had  the  Rank  of  Major,  in  '76  that  of  a 
Lieul  Col°  both  before  he  held  any  commission  in  the 
Continental  Army.  In  '76  Col°  Swift  came  out  from 
the  State  of  Connect  with  a  Reg*  of  Levies  to  serve 
until  the  25^  of  Dec1",  following — when  they  were  of 
course  disbanded;  in  Jany  1777  he  was  Created  &  I 
promoted  to  the  Rank  of  Col°  in  the  Continental  Line 
of  the  Army, — it  has  so  happened  we  never  have  been 
in  Service  together  untill  this  Campaign — had  it  have 
been  otherways,  &  I  neglected  haveing  the  Rank  set- 
tled untill  the  present  Period — I  should  not  be  sur- 
prized if  a  Board  should  be  refused, — But  when  his 
Excellency  is  informed  of  these  particulars  I  doubt  not 
he  will  order  One. 

Let  me  request  therefore  you  will  be  kind  enough 
the  first  Opportunity  that  offers  to  speak  to  him  on  the 
subject.  It  injures  my  feelings  exceedingly  to  have  it 
stand  in  the  way  it  now  does. — I  am  sorry  to  be  thus 
troublesome  to  His  Excellency  or  to  you,  but  you  will 
readily  conceive  it  a  matter  of  consequence  &  there- 
fore excuse  it. 

I  am,  my  Dear    Sir,  Your  friend    &    Most  obed1. 
Serv*.  Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  351 

P.  S.  Had  I  been  with  the  Line  last  Fall  at  the 
Time  they  were  Incorporateing  and  arrangeing  the 
officers  I  have  reason  to  suppose  Col.  Swift  would  not 
have  been  arranged  before  Me. 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  Aug.  4th  1781. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

Our  Friend  J.  W[adsworth]  &  self  have  hove  in  a  Petition  to  the 
Gov!:  &  Council  &  have  obtained  the  permission  for  Mrs.  Banker.  I 
am  sorry  you  forget  her  Christian  name — but  We'll  send  it  Blank — 
there's  much  Delicacy  to  be  used  in  the  Affair,  comeing  from  another 
State,  our  Friend  J.  Chester  wou'd  not  have  Voted  for  any  other 
person — He's  anxious  for  fear  Gov.  L[ivingston]  &  Gov.  T[rumbull] 
may  differ  on  this  very  affair — say  but  little  untill  it's  accomplished. 

Wadsworth  will  forward  you  the  Paper's.  I  have  been  this  Day 
after  them  j  Gov.  Trumbull  says  they  shall  be  ready  this  Eveng.  We 
are  extremely  sorry  to  hear  of  the  illness  of  our  Dear  Sister  Betsy. 
I  wish  she  was  here — will  she  soon  be  able  to  Ride  with  Hetty — you 
had  best  to  contrive  to  get  here — B[arnabas]  D[eane]  talks  of  going 
to  Hartf?  yet  uncertain  either ;  untill  Spring  I  have  the  refusal  of  the 
House  for  you — Wadsworth  soon  goes  to  Camp — who  can  tell  you 
more  particulars — The  Raven  is  Just  arrived  Cut  all  to  pieces.  How 
different  our  Fortunes  from  our  Neighbors  ?  I  hope  you'll  have  an 
agreeable  Campaign — suppose  you  get  Hetty  to  Camp  with  one  of 
the  others  perhaps  I  cou'd  get  her  home. — have  you  Horses  &  Car- 
riages provided.  I  cou'd  send  Horace  on  to  Camp  to  go  quite  to 
The  Branch — by  the  bye  I  am  excessive  Angry  with  Rich<*  He  bor- 
rowd  of  me  a  Sadie  with  a  promise  to  Return  by  the  Waggon  & 
Horse  which  is  not  done.  Can  you  yet  Spare  me  McDermot  Mare 
or  not — do  not  make  it  inconvenient  to  Y*  Self — send  me  the  Sadie 
from  Rich*? ,  or  Give  orders  to  purchase  one  on  his  Ace*  ,  as  He  has 
used  me  ill,  quite  so —  when  I  meant  to  Oblige  him — 

[Joseph  Webb.] 


352         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    THE    HONORABLE    BOARD    OF    GENERAL    OFFICERS. 

Camp,  neai^Dobb's  Ferry, 
ii*  August  1 78 1. 
Gentlemen  : 

It  was  my  misfortune  in  the  Fall  of  1777  to  be  taken 
a  Prisoner  by  the  British  and  detained  from  Service 
until  the  present  campaign — during  my  Absence  several 
Boards  of  Officers  were  appointed  to  Settle  the  Rank 
of  Continental  Officers  in  different  Lines  of  the  Army, 
— my  Absence  prevented  me  Laying  in  my  Claims, 
this  I  hope  Gentlemen  will  sufficiently  apologize  for  the 
trouble  I  now  give  you, — Col°  Swift  and  myself  have 
never  been  in  Service  together  untill  the  present  Cam- 
paign, nor  has  it  ever  been  determined  which  ought  in 
Justice  to  be  the  Senior  Officer, — he  in  my  Absence  the 
last  Fall  was  arranged  before  Me,  without  my  haveing 
the  least  notice  of  the  time  or  place  of  the  Meeting, — 
had  I  been  present  I  presume  it  never  would  have 
hapen'd, — In  the  first  Stage  of  the  present  War  I 
entered  the  Field  with  my  Countrymen,  and  as  early 
as  July  1775  obtained  the  Rank  of  Major — in  June 
1776  was  promoted  to  Lieu1.  Col°  :  at  both  these 
periods  if  my  recollection  does  not  fail  me  Col°  Swift 
was  moving  in  the  Civil  spheres  of  Life — the  latter 
part  of  1776  the  States  were  call'd  on  for  a  number  of 
Regiments  to  reinforce  the  Continental  Army — with 
One  of  these  from  the  State  of  Connecticut  Col  Swift 
entered  the  Field  to  continue  in  Service  untill  the  25* 
of  December  following,  when  his  Regiment  was  Dis- 
banded,— In  January  '77  Colonel  Swift  was  Created 
and  myself  promoted  to  the  Rank  of  Colonel  in  the 
American  Army, — these  Gentlemen  to  the  best  of  my 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  353 

Knowledge  are  the  true  State  of  Facts, — nor  did  I  ever 
Imagine  Col  Swift  would  claim  the  Rank  of  me  untill  I 
saw  it  in  the  present  Year, — nor  do  I  now  conceive  he 
has  the  least  foundation  in  justice  to  suppose  he  will 
obtain  it — however  from  some  hints  I  have  rec'd  Col" 
Swift  flatters  himself  with  the  Idea  that  you  Gen1,  will 
consider  him  entitled  to  rank  from  the  date  of  his  State 
Commission,  I  am  convinced  that  you  not  Viewing  his 
Situation  thro'  the  same  partial  mirror  that  produces 
these  reflections  will  allow  nay  even  (I  hope  the  ex- 
pressions will  be  excused)  determine  that  Col°  Swift 
from  that  Commission  cannot  claim  rank  beyond  the 
25^  of  December  at  which  period  his  Military  rank 
sunk  in  oblivion  with  his  reduced  reg1.  — here  the  Gen- 
tleman Grasping  at  another  Straw  will  observe  that 
some  time  in  November  the  State  of  Connecticut  voted 
him  the  command  of  one  of  the  %%  Battalions ;  this  I 
allow  but  that  they  were  to  spring  into  existance  on  the 
Morning  of  the  first  of  January  1777  and  in  reallity 
were  not  known  in  a  millitary  point  of  View  Previous  to- 
that  period,  Col  Swift  undoubtedly  [will]  readily  ac- 
knowledge. I  would  therefore  Gen1,  infer  that  Col° 
Swift  was  absolutely  and  in  every  sence  of  the  Word 
taken  from  Civil  life  and  placed  at  the  Head  of  a  Reg1, 
whilst  I  was  promoted  from  the  proper  Millitary  Line 
to  the  same  Grade;  &  consequently  can  with  strict 
proprietary  assert  that  I  am  the  Senior  Officer  &  en- 
tituled  to  every  advantage  that  may  originate  therefrom 
— I  beg  leave  to  add  that  it  so  happened  that  Col 
Swifts  State  Commission  absolutely  was  for  him  to  serve 
untill  the  first  of  Jany  1777  even  that  could  not  possi- 
bly give  him  the  least  cause  in  justice  to  claim  the  rank 
of  me. 


354         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

You  are  Sensible  Gentlemen,  that  the  love  of  our 
Country, — and  the  Honb.le  Rank  we  obtain  are  the 
only  motives  which  can  induce  us  any  longer  to  endure 
the  Fatigues  of  the  Field, — it  gives  me  singular  pleas- 
ure &  Satisfaction,  the  Commander  in  Chief  has 
gratify' d  my  feeling  by  appointing  a  Board  of  General 
Officers  to  Determine  a  point  in  which  I  am  so  par- 
ticularly Interested, — In  your  good  judgment,  &  justice 
I  have  the  utmost  Confidence, — and  am  with  much  Re- 
spect &  Esteem 

Gentlemen  Your  Most  Obed*. 
Hume.  Serv1. 
Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


Mr.  President  and  Gent  of  the  Court  : 

I  was  asked  the  other  day  by  a  member  of  this 
Honb.le  Board,  with  particular  emphasis,  whether  I  ac- 
knowledge Col.  Swift  to  be  appointed  by  the  assembly 
of  the  State  of  Connecticut  in  October  to  the  Command 
of  one  of  the  88  Battallions,  I  gave  him  to  understand 
that  I  did  not  doubt  it.  Upon  retireing,  calmly  con- 
sidering the  Question,  Viewing  the  Objects  to  which  it 
might  tend;  and  the  trifling  baubles  that  Co1.  Swift  has 
bouy'd  himself  up  with,  It  immediately  occurred  to  me 
that  he  might  possibly  also  catch  at  this  shadow,  and 
date  his  Existence  as  a  Continental  Co1,  from  the  per- 
iod upon  which  the  resolution  passed. 

Considering  it  my  duty  Gen1,  to  endeavour  to  obviate 
any  reasons  that  Col  Swift  may  offer  in  support  of  his 
usurped  rank  (which  I  flatter  myself  I  have  hitherto 
fully  accomplish'd)  as  well  as  to  counteract  the  force  of 
any  observations    that  the  reduced    State  of  his    re- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  355 

sources  may  hurry  upon  his  imagination,  and  induce 
him  to  make,  I  would  upon  this  subject  observe  (tho' 
it  in  some  measure  appears  too  absurb  to  merit  atten- 
tion) that  should  Col  Swift  once  more  float  on  the  sur- 
face of  Ideal  Superiority  supported  by  this  vote  of  Oc- 
tober 76  and  claim  rank  from  the  date  of  it,  I  request, 
nay  I  am  Confident  Gen1,  that  your  delicacy  will  induce 
you  to  convince  him  that  his  opinion  is  erroneous  with 
as  much  tenderness  as  you  are  capable  and  for  myself 
I  promise  not  to  smile  tho'  it  is  a  laughable  Claim,  for 
should  this  Circumstance  be  attended  to,  that  State 
that  convened  their  assembly  first  after  the  recommen- 
dation from  Congress  to  raise  the  new  army,  would 
have  insurd  to  its  officers  seniority  of  rank  to  all  others 
upon  the  Continent  and  the  order  of  Congress  fixing 
the  first  of  January  77  as  the  period  from  which  the 
Commissions  of  the  army  were  to  be  dated,  would  not 
have  claim'd  nor  even  merited  our  attention.  I  will  now 
beg  your  attention  while  I  relate  a  circumstance  that 
occur'd  in  the  Pennsylvania  Line  exactly  similar.  Viz 
whilst  that  line  was  serving  under  Gen1.  Wayne  to  the 
northward  in  the  Campaign  of  j6,  Cap4.  Menzies  either 
Lead  by  duty  or  inclination  return'd  to  Philadelphia 
where  he  apply'd  for  a  Commission  as  Major  on  the 
New  Establishment  (the  assembly  being  at  that  time 
setting)  which  he  obtain'd  &  when  he  return'd  to  the 
Line  and  the  Commissions  in  General  were  forwarded 
Menzies  appeared  the  elder  instead  of  the  youngest 
Major,  this  was  considered  and  complain'd  of  as  a 
Grevience,  and  I  think  the  resolve  of  Congress  passed 
in  consequence  of  it,  this  Gen*,  was  then  presented  with 
a  Commission  agreeable  to  the  resolve  dated  the  first 


356         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF    , 

of  January  when  instead  of  his  being  the  Senior  he 
became  the  Junior  Major  in  the  Line. 

From  these  Circumstances  Gentlemen  should  Col 
Swift  make  this  Claim,  you  must  be  convinced  of  the 
impropriety  of  attending  to  it. 

As  for  the  Certificate  he  produces  and  his  observa- 
tions upon  it  with  respect  to  my  pretentions,  It  is  very 
plain  that  this  Gent  is  his  last  feather,  which  I  am  con- 
fident is  in  my  power  to  pluck  from  his  crest  with  as 
much  ease  as  I  have  done  those  with  which  he  at  first 
appeared  plumed.  I  am  also  convinced  that  the  obser- 
vation will  strick  you  Gen1,  so  forcibly  that  you  will  not 
hesitate  one  moment  in  giving  a  decided  opinion.  It  is 
but  a  slender  thread  that  now  supports  him,  i.  e.  a  Cer- 
tificate obtained  of  my  appointment,  this  I  will  venture 
to  say  does  not  merit  and  I  am  confident  will  not  meet 
with  attention  from  this  Board  as  it  is  not  Certificates 
or  appointments,  that  you  Gen1,  will  form  your  opinion 
upon  for  they  have  too  frequently  appeared  to  be 
erroneous  &  are  only  rectified  by  Subsequent  Commis- 
sions, it  is  Commissions  &  those  only  that  must  guide 
your  opinions,  the  articles  of  War,  which  are  handed  to 
us  as  a  rule  for  our  conduct  in  the  Settlement  of  rank 
&c  particularly  point  out  an  attention  to  the  date  of 
Commissions,  &  have  nothing  to  do  with  far  fetched 
Certificates  or  appointments,  when  Commissions  have 
an  existance. 

With  permission  Gentlemen  I  will  a  moment  for  the 
sake  of  argument  allow  the  validity  of  the  Certificate 
produced  and  observe  that  Circumstances  at  the  time 
might  not  admit  of  its  being  given  previous  to  the  date 
with  which  it  appears.     But  as  it  was  the  intention  of 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  357 


the  power  from  whom  the  appointment  originated  that 
it  should  have  rec'd  an  existance  six  or  7  days  before 
it  did  had  it  been  at  that  time  consistant  with  the  pub- 
lic interest,  the  power  referr'd  to  removes  the  incon- 
venience that  may  originate  therefrom,  by  giving  a 
Commission  bearing  a  prior  date  to  the  Certificate ; 
which  buries  the  Certificate  in  oblivion;  and  nothing 
but  the  Commission  in  a  Military  point  of  View  has  or 
can  afterwards  have  an  existence. 

You  will  undoubtedly  Gen1,  from  hence  conclude  that 
as  Col  Swifts  Commission  and  mine  bear  the  same  date 
of  January  the  first  yy  &  that  my  prior  pretensions  to 
rank  in  the  Continental  Line  (which  have  been  pro- 
duced &  clearly  proved)  are  superior  to  his,  that  sen- 
iority of  rank  was  originally  &  is  at  present  my  just 
one.  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  I  shall  have  it 
confirmed  by  the  unanimous  Voice  of  this  Honb.le 
Board;  &  shall  not  unless  Col  Swift  starts  some  new 
Phantom  tresspass  any  longer  upon  your  patience  but 
submit  it  as  it  now  stands  to  your  impartial  Judgment. 

Ll.  Col  Sprout  was  serveing  as  a  Major  in  the  Line 
of  the  Army  after  the  Battle  of  Princeton,  &  while  the 
Army  lay  at  Morris-town  and  Chatham,  after  which  he 
rec^  his  appointment  as  Lieu1.  Col?  &  takes  Rank  from 
the  i\  of  Jan'y  1777  with  other  Instances  that  can  if 
necessary  be  produced. — 

Generals  Glover  &  Patterson  will  I  presume  recol- 
lect knowing  of  my  appointment  while  at  Trenton  ;  the 
latter  If  my  recollection  does  not  fail  me  .1  conversed 
with  on  the  Subject.  U.  Col°  Scull  was  offered  by  me 
when  at  Trenton  a  Company  in  my  Battallion,  which 
he  would  [have]  accepted,  but  was  offered  a  Majority 


358        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

directly  after.  It  cannot  be  supposed  that  His  Excel- 
lency intended  Major  Lee  to  have  the  Rank  of  me  in 
the  1 6  when  I  was  then  serving  as  a  Lieut.  Col°  .  The 
Instance  between  h\  Colonels  M.  Jackson  &  Weston 
&  Colonel  Marshall  are  instances  which  claim  the  At- 
tention of  this  Board. 

If  I  mistake  not  Col°  Putnam  is  another  instance. 
Indeed  I  can  claim  as  a  Pres*  the  settlement  of  Rank 
throughout  the  Massachusetts  &  every  other  line  of 
the  Army. 

Read  Over — that  part  where  I  say  circumstances 
would  not  permit  its  being  given  sooner. — then  name 
the  Reasons  of  my  continuing  at  Head  Quarters  so 
long  after  my  appointment  &c.  &c.  These  particu- 
lar^] I  conceive  are  necessary  to  convince  the  Board 
my  appointment  was  on  the  Is.1  of  Jan?  Co\°.  Swift  en- 
deavoring to  make  it  appear  it  was  not  till  after  the  5* . 

I  believe  I  was  officially  appointed  the  same  day  with 
Major  Lee. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WILLIAM   S.  SMITH. 

Camp  Dobb's  Ferry,  18th  Aug.,  1781. 
Not  a  stone,  my  dear  Sam,  shall  be  left  unturned,  that  can  possi- 
bly tend  to  promote  your  interest.  While  I  think  justice  holds  the 
reins  of  government  and  rules  your  actions,  which  I  am  confident  it 
has  hitherto  done,  every  exertion  that  can  possibly  be  made  you 
may  expect  from  your  friend  Wm.  S.  Smith, 

Saturday  morning  A.  D.  C. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  359 

FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WILLIAM    S.  SMITH. 

Head  Quarters,  King's  Ferry 
August  22d,  1 78 1. 
Dear  Sam^  : 

Yours  of  the  19*  I  rec<?  at  Croton  River,  therefore  totally  out  of 
my  power  to  pay  you  the  visit  that  you  in  your  usual  friendly  manner 
requested. 

I  should  have  been  happy  had  duty  admitted  of  my  following  my 
plan,  which  friendship  dictated,  viz :  of  paying  you  one  more  visit 
previous  to  my  departure,  but  I  found  it  impossible.  As  to  renew- 
ing the  matter  with  Swift,  I  will  give  you  my  opinion  fully  upon  the 
subject,  after  I  have  had  some  conversation  with  the  Gen1,  upon  our 
route.  If  anything  upon  the  subject  turns  up  favorably,  I  will  waft 
you  the  earliest  intelligence  of  it.  Should  I  see  your  friends  in  the 
Jersey's,  I  will  report  to  them  what  you  wish,  if  I  can  with  propriety 
express  my  Ideas  upon  that  Subject.  You  will  much  oblige  me 
Webb,  by  paying  some  little  attention  to  my  Brother,  should  it  be  in 
your  way. 

Forward  the  enclosed  to  my  father ;  &  you  will  oblige,  your  friend 

W.  S.  Smith. 
in  a  hurry. 


FROM   MRS.  JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  31  August,  1781. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

Your  friendly  Letter  dated  August  2d  came  safe  to  hand  and  met 
a  grateful  wellcome.  I  began  an  answer  by  Colonel  Wadsworth,  but 
a  bad  pain  in  my  head  obliged  me  to  Leave  it  unfinished.  Let  me 
now  assure  [you]  it  afford' d  me  much  pleasure  tho'  am  truly  grieved 
to  hear  you  speak  so  discoragingly  of  poor  Mrs.  Webb's  situation : 
and  am  anxious  least  your  fears  should  have  too  much  foundation  in 
reality — it  is  no  doubt  a  great  agrevation  to  her  in  her  present 
troubles  that  you  should  be  obliged  to  Leave  her  and  to  share  the 
Hazards  of  this  too  cruel  War,  tho'  her  anxiety  on  your  account  I 
dare  to  say  cannot  eaqueal  what  you  Must  necessarily  feel  on  hers- 
I  pray  Heaven  to  remove  it  by  restoring  her  to  Health  and  preserv 
ing  a  Life  so  truly  and  deservedly  valuable  to  you  and  to  all  her 


360         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

friends.  I  very  much  Esteem  her  Character,  tho'  have  never  had 
the  happiness  of  a  personal  acquaintance  I  cannot  but  flatter  my  self 
I  shall  have  the  Felicity  of  seeing  her  att  Wethersfield  this  fall.  Our 
last  accounts  being  more  favourable  gives  us  room  to  Incorage  an 
expectation  so  pleasing — you  will  not  neglect  leting  us  hear  through 
you  from  Both  Sisters  as  often  as  in  your  power.  Hetty  has  not 
wrote  a  Line  for  many  Months  past.  I  feel  the  dear  Girl's  Absence 
severely — but  perhaps  ought  not  to  complain  since  no  one  is  in  fault 
— I  am  as  I  may  say  alone — Mr.  Webb's  Buisiness  is  such  that  he 
can  devote  but  a  small  pittance  of  time  to  me  or  the  family — he  is 
more  perplex'd  and  hurried  than  ever — Sister  Sally  has  been  Absent 
some  time  upon  a  Visit  to  Norwich  and  I 'do  not  expect  her  return 
for  many  weeks,  perhaps  months,  so  that  I  am  ever  thinking  of  her 
and  wishing  for  her ;  but  since  she  must  be  absent  am  happy  that 
she  is  in  a  situation  to  contribute  to  our  good  Sisters  pleasure  and 
Consequently  to  yours — present  my  Love  to  them  when  you  write — 
remember  me  affectionately  to  Brother  Jack  and  tell  him  he  must 
Let  us  know  where  he  is — and  ^ow  he  does — we  dayly  and  hourly 
expect  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrell  his  Buisiness  requires  his  presence  or  I 
should  not  put  much  Faith  in  his  Intending  to  come,  she  has  so 
often  disappointed  us.  I  should  have  been  happy  could  the  Family 
have  met  together  att  the  Old  Mansion,  but  that  is  a  pleasure  I  fear 
I  shall  never  Live  to  Enjoy — Mr.  J.  Lockwood  the  Bearer  can  tell 
you  what  is  passing  with  us — I  do  not  think  of  anything  material — 
Abby  desires  Love  to  both  you  and  Jack  the  Little  Girls  Sally  and 
Harriet  are  well — grow  Tall  fast  and  begin  to  be  something  Like 
Company — I  am  told  Mr.  D[eane]  is  certainly  going  to  Hartford  to 
Live — we  should  have  a  happy  Little  Circle  could  you  Transport 
your  family  to  Wethersfield.  I  hope  it  will  be  in  your  power — in 
which  case  you  will  not  hesitate — I  should  write  more  frequent  but 
the  risque  is  great,  and  I  wish  what  Letters  you  may  receive  from 
me  may  be  destroy'd  for  fear  of  accident — my  many  cares  have 
made  me  Less  familiar  with  my  pen  than  I  used  to  be.  but  whether 
I  write  or  am  silent  be  assured  I  think  of  you  with  sincere  esteem 
and  am  with  unfein'd  affection  your  Sister 

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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  361 

FROM   GOVERNOR  LIVINGSTON. 

Trenton,  31  Aug*  ,  1781. 
Sir: 

I  just  now  receiv'd  your  Letter  of  this  day's  date  inclosing  one 
from  Governor  Clinton. 

As  to  my  Sentiments  respecting  the  obtaining  a  pass  from  the 
British  for  M?5  Webb  to  go  under  the  Sanction  of  a  Flagg  from 
Tom's  river  to  Connecticut,  it  is  a  matter  so  much  out  of  my  de- 
partment that  I  do  not  chuse  to  give  any  Opinion  upon  it.  But  as 
MT.S  Webbs  health  is  in  question,  I  will  most  cheerfully  give  her  a 
pass  to  go  to  any  place  in  the  Enemy's  lines  which  the  Physicians 
you  mention,  or  any  other  Gentlemen  eminent  in  the  Profession  shall 
certify  to  me,  will  in  their  opinion,  contribute  to  its  restoration  in 
preference  to  any  place  in  our  Own  lines. 

Mr.s  Banker  I  cannot  permit  to  go  to  New  York  consistent  with 
my  duty  to  the  public,  &  my  reasons  for  the  refusal,  I  shall  assign  to 
Governor  Clinton  who  is  a  Gentleman  I  would  as  soon  oblige  as  any 
man  in  the  world,  &  who,  I  am  persuaded  will  entirely  acquiesce  in 
the  line  of  Conduct  I  observed  upon  this  occasion.  I  am 
Sir  Your  most  humble  Servant 

Wil.  Livingston. 


TO    GOVERNOR    CLINTON. 

North  Branch,  Raritan,  3?  September,  1781. 
Dear  Sir  : 

On  my  arrival  at  this  place  a  few  days  since  I  found 
Mrs.  Webb  still  in  a  declining  state  of  Health.  Doctr. 
Cochran  and  Doctr.  Craig  both  recommended  an  im- 
mediate change  of  Air  as  the  only  probable  means  of 
her  ever  recovering.  Sailing  they  prefer'd  to  her 
moveing  by  land  in  her  present  weak  state. — I  should 
long  since  have  removed  the  whole  family  into  Con- 
necticut, but  was  in  constant  expectation  that  New 
York  might  soon  be  in  our  possession;  finding  no  im- 


362        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

mediate  probability  of  that  event  takeing  place,  it  was 
strongly  recommended  I  should  obtain  a  flag  and  re- 
move immediately  from  this  by  water  to  Connecticut 
River, — knowing  the  Season  was  fast  advanceing  when 
this  plan  could  not  with  safety  be  put  in  Execution, 
without  loss  of  time  I  dispatch'd  a  Man  to  Governor 
Livingston  with  your  Excellency's  letter,  and  at  the 
same  time  wrote  him  requesting  he  would  forward  the 
Permit  for  Mrs.  Bancker  to  go  into  New  York  and 
added  the  dangerous  situation  Mrs.  Webb  was  in,  & 
my  desire  to  convey  her  by  water  to  Connecticut — 
There  was  no  room  in  my  mind  to  doubt  his  approba- 
tion &  immediate  compliance ; — but  to  my  great  sur- 
prise and  Disappointment  I  received  his  absolute  re- 
fusal— A  Copy  of  his  letter  I  have  taken  the  liberty  of 
incloseing  for  your  Excellency's  perusal. — To  me  it  ap- 
pears his  refusal  is  a  mere  piece  of  ill-nature;  that  it 
can  be  of  no  injury  to  the  public  I  am  confident,  his 
only  insinuation  by  this  expression  is  I  conceive  that 
Mrs.  Bancker  may  do  or  say  something  injurious  to  the 
public  good, — if  this  is  his  meaning,  it  is  cruel  &  un- 
generous, for  I  do  positively  assert  that  Mrs.  Bancker's 
sentiments  are  those  which  animate  the  breast  of  every 
honest  American,  her  conversation  and  conduct  ever 
since  evinced  it, — I  should  in  the  present  case  treat  his 
refusal  with  the  silent  contempt  it  deserves  but  in  that 
refusal  is  blended  the  Health  perhaps  the  Life  of  my 
first  friend  &  Mrs.  Bancker's  only  Child. 

[Sam1:  B.Webb.]* 

*  Endorsed  "  not  sent." 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  363 

FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WILLIAM    S.  SMITH. 

Head  Quarters,  Head  of  Elk 
Sept.  7th,  1781. 
Dear  Colo  : 

The  long  expected  fleet  from  France  is  at  last  arrived,  they  made 
their  appearance  in  the  Chesapeake,  the  26*h  ult?  with  28  ships  of 
the  Line,  and  5000  Land  troops  which  have  joined  the  Marquis,  & 
we  hope  effectually  prevented  Cornwallis's  retreat  to  the  Carolinas. 
He  observes  this  and  is  fortifying  himself  with  the  greatest  industry. 
We  shall  look  as  stern  as  the  grave  upon  him  about  the  14^  His 
position  is  at  York  &  Gloster,  in  Virginia,  on  the  South  and  North 
margin  of  York  River.  The  fleet  on  their  passage  fell  in  with  and 
captured  a  Packet  from  Charlestown  bound  to  Europe,  on  board  of 
which  was  Lord  Rawdon,  the  plunderer  of  the  South,  returning  to 
bask  in  the  sunshine  of  Ministerial  favours  for  butchering  the  patri- 
otic sons  of  America. 

Inclosed  I  send  you  a  Letter  which  I  wish  you  to  forward.  Re- 
member me  to  Mrs.  Webb  and  Miss  Hetty,  &  believe  me,  D*  Sam1.  , 
Your  friend  &c  Wm.  S.  Smith. 


FROM   BRIGADIER-GENERAL   HUNTINGTON. 

Peekskill,  i  6  Sepr.  1781. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

I  am  very  sorry  to  find  by  your  Letter  that  Mrs  Webb  continues 
unwell.  I  have  shewn  the  Letter  to  the  General,  who  has  no  Objec- 
tions to  your  Request  but  says  he  has  not  Power  to  grant  Flags  to 
citizens  except  on  the  Recommendation  of  the  chief  executive  Au- 
thority of  the  State  to  which  such  Citizens  belong.  You  will  easily 
obtain  Permission  of  Gov1;  Livingston.  If  you  will  send  it  to  me,  for 
which  there  will  be  Time  whilst  you  are  putting  things  in  Train,  I 
will  get  the  General's  Sanction  added  to  it, — without  Delay. 

Please  to  give  my  Compliments  to  Mrs.  and  Miss  Webb.     I  de- 
voutly wish  them  the  Restoration  of  Health,  &  you  &  them,  my  dear 
Friend,  every  Kind  and  Degree  of  Happiness — assuring  you  I 
am  most  Sincerely  your  Friend  & 
Obdt  Servant 

J  Huntington. 


364        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   CAPTAIN   BULKLEY. 

Camp  on  Thunder  Hill, 

17  September,  1781. 
Dear  Colo  : 

I  am  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  yours  of  the  2?  and  13111  In- 
stant by  Chadwick  and  Belding,  the  latter  arrived  on  the  i5lh  verry 
unwell,  the  reason  of  stay  hear  so  long. 

By  both  of  your  letters  I  find  Mr.s  Webb  remains  in  a  declin[in]g 
state.  My  dear  Col?  I  feel  most  sensibly  for  you,  and  fear  ere  long 
you  must  taste  the  bitter  Cup  that  I  have  Drank  so  largely  off. 
Heaven  forbid  that  so  great  a  blessing  should  be  snatcht  from  you  in 
the  blume  of  Life — Your  letter  for  Cap1.  Webb  have  sent  to  him. 
Last  Tusday  we  encamped  on  this  Thunder  Hill  and  the  same  even- 
ing marcht  for  Stamford  in  Conn1,  with  one  Brigade.  After  we  ar- 
rived within  about  7  or  8  miles  of  our  post  was  Inform'd  that  the 
Burning  Murdering  poor  Pittifull  set  of  Dogs  had  weighed  Anchor 
and  made  the  best  of  their  way  to  York.  As  the  particulars  of  this 
burning  expedition  is  not  got  to  hand  I  shall  refare  you  to  Public 
accounts  for  them,  reports  say  60  or  70  kilFd  of  the  inhabitants  in 
Groton  Fort,  the  greatest  part  Murdred  after  they  had  laid  down 
their  Armes.  The  greatest  part  of  New  London  in  Ashes.  We  re- 
turn'd  to  our  incampment  three  day  since.  The  West  Point  de- 
tachment joins  us  this  week.  Orders  are  out  for  the  Army  to  hold 
themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  the  shortest  Notice.  I  have 
rec^  a  letter  from  Col?  Smith  for  you,  which  I  have  taken  the  liberty 
to  open.  The  one  inclosed  in  it  to  his  Father  I  shall  forward  the 
first  opportunity.  Inclosed  I  send  you  four  letter  with  the  one  from 
Col?  Smith.  It  contains  good  news.  I  think  MT.  Cornwallis  will  git 
the  Thorough  put  taken  out  of  his  Eyes  this  heat.  Should  this  be 
the  case  I  think  MT.  Arnold  Burning  expedition  will  be  at  an  end. 

I  hope  M^  &  Miss  Webb's  health  may  be  so  far  recovered  as  we 
may  be  hon?  with  your  agreeable  Company  soon.  My  most  respect- 
full  compliments  waits  on  your  agreeable  Family,  who  has  my  best 
wishes  for  their  prosperity  and  hapyness. 

The  Gentlemen  of  the  Reg1  are  well  except  Cap*  Riley  who  is 
been  for  2  or  3  Day  unwell — business  calls  and  I  must  break  short 
off.  lam  Dear  Col?  with  every  sentiment  of  esteem  your  most  obe- 
dient Serv1  E  B[ulkley.] 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  365 

FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   SMITH. 

Head  Quarters,  Williamsburg,  in  Virginia, 
Sept.  23d   1 781. 
My  dear  Sam  : 

Fortune  Courts  us  with  her  smiles,  our  Troops  from  the  Head  of 
Elk  are  arrived  &  landed.  We  shall  advance  firmly  upon  his  Lord- 
ship in  a  few  days,  with  near  twenty  thousand  Men. 

He  is  intrench'd  but  it  will  not  save  him.  When  anything  mater- 
ial occurs,  if  I  survive,  you  shall  have  the  particulars. 

Remember  me  particularly  to  your  friends  &  believe  me  to  be  as 
usual  Your  friend  Wm.  S.  Smith. 


TO    JOSEPH    WEBB. 

North  Branch,  Rariton 
5  October,  1781. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

This  day  twelve  months  I  supposed  myself  one  of 
the  happiest  men  in  life.  I  flattered  myself  with  future 
peace,  domestic  ease,  and  happiness  for  many  years  to 
come ;  but,  alas  !  I  fear  my  most  pleasing  hopes  are 
soon,  very  soon,  to  be  at  an  end. 

I  returned  last  evening  from  Philadelphia  with  a  flag 
of  truce  to  take  my  sick  friend,  Mrs.  Bancker,  Sister 
Hetty  and  Miss  Duyckink  to  Wethersfield  by  Water, 
and  have  this  day  sent  for  a  flag  for  the  same  purpose 
out  of  New  York,  having  previous  to  my  late  journey 
had  assurances  from  General  Robertson  the  flag 
should  be  granted ;  but  Mrs.  Webb  has  declined  so 
very  fast  of  late,  that  I  fear  it  is  too  late  even  for  the 
sail  and  change  of  air  to  restore  her  to  health. 

While  life  remains  there  is  room  for  hope,  and  both 
duty  and  inclination  lead  me  to  take  every  step  which 
may  be  beneficial.     The  vessel  is  ready,  and  if  I  can 


366         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

get  the  permit  from  New  York,  and  Betsy's  health  will, 
permit,  in  ten  or  fifteen  days  they  will  embark  for 
Wethersfield.  I  have  requested  leave  to  accompany 
the  flag.  If  gratified,  or  otherways,  the  day  we  are 
ready  to  sail  I  shall  dispatch  a  boy  with  my  horses  by 
land. 

I  shall  write  Mr.  [Barnabas]  Deane  by  this  convey- 
ance, and  sincerely  hope  he  will  not  refuse  the  House, 
with  such  furniture  as  he  will  not  want  him  self — such 
as  can  be  transported  will  be  taken  with  us. 

Remember,  my  Br.,  that  my  whole  winter  supplies 
depend  on  you.  'Tis  needless  to  name  particulars 
when  I  tell  you  nothing  can  be  carried  in  by  the  flag, 
and  when  you  must  be  a  better  judge  than  myself. 

Hetty  has  had  a  severe  fever,  but  is  again  able  to 
walk  about.  The  intended  sail  will,  I  think,  be  bene- 
ficial to  her. 

There  is  a  report  that  General  Greene  has  had  a 
severe  action  in  South  Carolina,  in  which  he  gained  a 
very  signal  victory  over  the  main  body  of  the  enemy, 
but  as  this  wants  confirmation,  I  shall  not  even  name 
the  particulars,  further  than  'tis  said  Colo.  Washington 
and  every  officer  of  his  Reg't  save  one,  is  killed  or 
wounded,  and  that  but  twelve  of  his  men  remain 
unhurt. 

I  shall  write  you  again  by  the  Lad  who  takes  on  my 
horses. 

Remember  me  affectionately  to  all  our  friends,  and 
be  assured  of  the  sincerest  affection  of 

Yr.  Friend  and  Br. 
Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  367 

October  6th. — Mrs.  Webb  is  so  ill  this  morning  and 
continues  to  grow  weak  so  fast,  that  at  times  I  am  ap- 
prehensive she  never  will  be  able  to  move  from  this. 
However,  I  cannot  but  hope  a  few  days  will  make  her 
better.* 


TO    HON.    WILLIAM    SMITH. 

North  Branch,  Rariton,  5*h  OoXo\  1781. 
Sir: 

I  returned  last  evening  from  Philadelphia  where  I 
have  obtained  on  our  part  a  Flag  of  Truce  for  the  pur- 
pose of  conveying  Mrf  Webb  by  water  to  Connecticut, 
agreeable  to  your  directions  to  Mrs.  Bancker  I  enclose 
the  Vessells  name  &  Burthen,  the  Navigator  &  Sea- 
men, and  the  family  who  are  to  accompany  her,  among 
them  my  name  is  mentioned,  as  Mr.s  Bancker  tells  me 
General  Rober[t]son  was  kind  enough  to  offer  that  I 
should  accompany  Mr.s  Webb.  I  am  under  particular 
obligations  to  the  Gen1,  as  well  as  yourself  for  this 
mark  of  politeness,  as  it  will  add  to  Mrf  Webb's  peace 
of  mind  to  have  me  attend  her,  I  have  no  view  but  to 
make  her  passage  as  convenient  and  easy  as  possible, 
— shall  therefore  most  chearfully  acquiesce  in  any  re- 
strictions the  General  may  think  proper  to  lay  me 
under.  The  Physicians  observe  that  the  Season  is  so 
far  advanced  that  on  Mrf  Webb's  account  I  have't  a 
moment  to  loose  in  geting  away,  I  am  therefore  to 
request  the  favor  of  you  to  get  the  Flag  &  enclose  it 
to  Majr,  [John]  Adam  Commissary  of  Prisoners  at 
Elizabeth  Town  as  soon  as  possible,  in  the  mean  time, 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  132. 


36S        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  shall  be  preparing  everything  on  this  side  with  all 
possible  Dispatch.  I  am  truly  sorry  to  be  thus  trouble- 
some to  you, — the  unhappy  situation  of  Mrf  Webb  I 
hope  may  be  a  sufficient  apology. 

Be  kind  enough  to  present  my  most  Respectfull 
Compliments  to  His  Excellency  Gen1.  Rober[t]son  & 
to  your  good  Lady.  With  much  Esteem  &  Respect,  I 
have  the 

Honor  to  be  your  Most  Obed1.  Serv1. 

Sam1:   B.  Webb. 

P.  S.  As  the  whole  family  move  with  this  Flag,  Mr.s 
Bancker  would  wish  to  take  with  her  part  Her  House- 
hold furniture — rather  however  than  this  should  by  any 
means  be  disagreeable  to  The  Gen1,  it  shall  be  left. 

Sloop  Burthen  about  40  Tonns. 

Samuel  Lee,  Navigator 

Moses  Griswould  )  0 

wrw        \\r  r Seamen- 

William  Winons    J 

In  the  Flag 

Col°  Webb  &  Lady  Two  White  Men  Servl5  & 

Mr.s  Bancker  Two  Negro  Wenches 

Miss  Duyckinck 
Miss  Webb 

With  Houshold  furniture  wearing  apparrel  &  neces- 
sary Stores. 


FROM   MAJOR  JOHN    ADAM. 

Elizth  Town,  6th  October,  1781. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  this  moment  rec<?  yours  observes  its  Contents  and  attention 

shall  be  paid  to  it,  when  the  Sloop  was  hired  for  the  Service  I 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  369 

laboured  under  the  same  difficulty  but   finding   it   immaterial,    I 
named  her  the  Elizabeth  which  I  now  mean  to  call  her. 

I  shall  send  on  your  Letter  for  M*  Smith  *  this  day  by  a  Flag  on 
purpose  that  no  delay  may  be  in  procuring  the  pasport. 

The  News  from  General  Greene  I  have  by  Letters  from  Mr,  Eradr 
ford,  it  seems  to  be  no  wise  doubted  in  Philad?  The  Enemie  have 
shifted  their  Incampment  on  Staten  Island  and  gon  to  the  West  end, 
near  to  Amboy — some  reports  prevail  that  the  French  Fleet  is  cf 
the  Hook — they  seem  to  be  very  much  Pusseld  in  New  York  and  on 
the  Island,  they  have  shiped  a  large  quantity  of  Horses  &  waggons, 
which  they  Pressed  from  the  Inhabitants  of  Long  &  Staten  Island. 

Please  to  excuse  haste  I  am  with  all  due  Respect 

Dear  Sir  Your  Obedient  Humble  Servant 

John  Adam 

P.  S.  I  have  no  late  paper  from  New  York,  the  last  I  seed  was  not 
worth  the  reading. 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   WILLIAM    S.    SMITH. 

Head  Quarters  before  York. 
October  10th  1781. 
My  dear  Webb  : 

Our  old  friend  Scammell  paid  the  last  debt  of  nature  on  the 
6*h  instant,  at  the  Hospital  at  Williamsburg.  I  have  informed  you 
of  his  being  made  a  Prisoner  and  wounded — which  wound  proved 
fatal,  and  he  is  no  more  to  be  found  in  the  walks  of  men.  On  the 
morning  that  the  Enemy  evacuated  their  advance  redoubts,  he 
being  officer  of  the  day,  reconnoitred  rather  too  far,  fell  insensibly 
among  a  number  of  Horse  men;  who  were  patroling  the  front  of  the 
lines  they  had  retired  to.  Two  of  them  address'd  him  rather  in 
harsh  terms.  The  one  seiz'd  his  Bridle  and  the  other  presented  a 
pistol  to  his  breast.  Thus  situated,  he  acknowledg'd  himself  a 
prisoner;  when  a  third  rode  up  presented  his  pistol  close  enough  to 
burn  his  coat,  and  shot  him  in  the  back,  a  fourth  made  a  stroke  at 
him  with  his  sword,  but  the  shot  having  weaken'd  him,  he  fell  from 
his  Horse  and  the  intention  of  the  villian  was  frustrated.     They 

*  Williaru  Smith. 


370        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

plundered  him  of  everything  he  had,  and  hurried  him  into  their 
Lines.  The  officers  who  were  present  never  interfered,  nor  even 
after  he  was  carried  in  did  they  treat  him  with  any  kind  of  civility 
or  respect.     So  much  for  the  boasted  Humanity  of  Britains. 


1  Mark  it. 


Our  first  parellel  is  now  compleat  and  our  Batteries  in  full  roar. 
We  opened  upon  them  yesterday,  3  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  have  kept 
up  the  most  sprightly  peal  ever  since  that  you  can  form  an  Idea  of. 

I  think  we  shall  be  able  to  give  a  good  account  of  them  before 
long.  You  may  depend  upon  hearing  from  me  when  anything 
material  happens.  I  am  as  yet  well,  but  like  to  have  lost  my  Hat 
by  a  12  p1:  yesterday.  Remember  me  particularly  to  the  Good  fam- 
ily on  the  Banks  of  the  Raritan  and  at  Wheathersfield,  and  consider 
him  as  your  friend,  who  is  known  by  the  name  of 

Wm.  S.  Smith.* 


TO    HON.    WILLIAM    SMITH. 

North  Branch,  Rariton,  17th  Octo*  ,  1781. 
Sir: 

I  wrote  you  the  5*  Ins1,  from  this  place  requesting 
a  Flag  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  Mrf  Webb  Mr5 
Bancker  and  family  from  Brunswic  to  Connecticut 
River,  haveing  received  no  answer  I  am  apprehensive 
my  letter  has  not  reach'd  you.  with  much  difficulty 
we  have  already  removed  Mr.s  Webb  to  Brunswic  to 
have  her  ready  to  embark  so  soon  as  the  Flag  could 
be  received.     She  is  in  a  very  low  state  of  Health,  and 

*  Endorsed. 

"Colo  Miles  by  forwarding  this  by. the  first  Express  to  Gen'l  Heaths  Camp 
will  much  oblige 

His  Humble  Servt 

Wm.  S.  Smith  ADC. 

to  ye  Comr  in  Chief." 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  373 


experienc'd — every  one  was  happy — many  perfectly  so — indeed  the 
whole  week  has  been  but  one  continued  Hurra — from  Right  to  Left. 

As  to  Regimental  matters,  they  are  much  in  statu  quo. — Cap* 
Parsons  join'd  us  in  a  few  days  since,  is  now  in  Command  at  new 
bridge — Ll.  Taylor  with  a  small  Command  of  chosen  men,  alias  Non 
Com1?  Officers,  has  been  absent  near  ten  days — what  the  object  ot 
his  Expedition  is,  remains  a  secret — but  as  we  have  heard  nothing 
from  him  yet — except  that  he  was  at  Stamford  we  conclude  he  will 
effect  nothing. 

We  most  sincerely  wish  to  see  you  here  as  soon  as  the  Circum- 
stances of  y*  family  will  admit.  Friend  Ned  [Bulkley]  we  expect 
will  return  within  a  few  days  as  he  propos'd  being  absent  but  a  short 
time 

We  have  Reports  here  that  the  British  fleet  is  Returned  much 
damaged — and  that  is  all  we  know  about  it — however  it  is  the  gen- 
eral Opinion  that  the  young  Prince  will  have  but  a  poor  Story  to  tell 
his  Dada  when  he  returns. 

With  my  best  Compts  to  your  Brother  &  family,  and  the  dear 
Circle  about  you. 

I  am  with  Esteem  &  friendship  Y\  most  humble  Serv*  . 

S.  W.  Williams. 


FROM    CAPTAIN   JOHN   WEBB. 

Lower  Salem,  9th  November,  1781. 
Dear  Brother  : 

Upon  my  joining  the  Regiment,  I  was  order'd  to  this  place  with 
Sixty  Invalid  Horses  and  Men  belonging  to  the  Reg1.  I  expect  I 
shall  Command  here  till  we  march  to  Winter  Quarters. — 

The  next  day  after  I  sent  your  Servants  from  Camp,  I  wait  on 
Generals  Heath  and  Huntington,  they  were  very  happy  to  hear  that 
you  had  obtain'd  leave  to  carry  your  Family  to  Wethersfield — Gen1. 
Heath  asks  me  when  you  thought  of  comeing  to  Camp ;  I  told  him 
if  Mrs.  Webb  was  better,  you  would  come  as  ever  you  got  settl'd  in 
your  Bouse — They  both  wish  the  Voyage  might  restore  them  their 
Healths — Make  my  Love  to  M?  Webb,  MT.S  Bancker  and  aunt 
Polly — and  write  me  how  the  first  is  in  Health — Also  recollect  the 


374        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

affair  with  Col.   Hay,   some  answer  ought   to  be  retfirn'd  imme- 
diately— 

I  spent  an  Evening  with  Captains  Bulkley  &  Hopkins — they  said 
the  officers  wish'd  for  you,  but  at  the  same  time,  did  not  wish  you 
to  leave  M*8  Webb  in  her  present  state  of  Health — they  were  all 
well. 

Tomorrow  I  move  from  this  to  upper  Salem — I  shall  be  one  mile 
and  a  half  only  from  the  main  road  that  leads  from  Danbury  to 
Peekskill — my  Quarters  are  right  South  from  the  Court  House  in 
upper  Salem. 

I  am  yours  Affectionately, 

John  Webb. 


TO    MR.  AND    MRS.  BARRELL. 

Wethersfield  in  Connect 
Sunday  Even?  25  November,  17 81. 

Those  only  who  have  felt,  know  how  to  pity  &  con- 
dole with  the  afflicted, — to  God  that  I  was  now  with 
you.  I  am  sure  it  would  afford  me  much  consolation. 
— I  was  as  completely  happy  as  this  World  could  make 
me,  I  am  as  miserable  as  Man  can  be — my  Dear  Part- 
ner, all  that  was  Dear  to  me  in  Life  is  no  more  to  be 
seen  among  the  Walks  of  Men.*  She  has  left  us  in  the 
early  Bloom  of  life,  &  I  veryly  believe  is  now  singing 
Hallalujahs  with  the  just  in  Heaven,  this  my  Dear 
friends  is  my  only  consolation  in  this  hour  of  Affliction. 
— I  wish'd  her  life  for  my  own  sake,  I  wish't  it  for  the 
sake  of  my  friends — they  must  have  lov'd  her,  but 
Heav'n  has  forbid  it, — the  subject  is  too  painfull  for 
me  to  dwell  on,  hereafter  when  the  mind  is  less  agi- 
tated I  may  renew  it,  at  present  my  friends  must  take 

♦Mrs.  Webb  did  not  live  to  see  Wethersfield,  dying  on  November  18th. 
Colonel  Webb  appears  to  have  embarked  with  her  on  a  sloop,  and  attempted  to 
reach  Hartford,  but  it  was  the  13th  of  the  month  before  he  was  in  Middletown, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  375 

upon  them  to  be  more  particular.  I  can  only  add  that 
I  do  most  fervently  wish  you  my  Dear  friends  ev'ry 
felicity  that  this  world  can  afford,  and  perfect  happiness 
hereafter. — Mrs.  Bancker  and  her  Sister  beg  me  (tho: 
unknown)  to  tender  you  their  love.  Pity  &  mourn 
with  your  afflicted  Friend  &  most  affectionate  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM    CAPTAIN    WILLIAMS. 

Connecticut  Hutts,  Novbr  30th '8 1. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

Some  weeks  since  I  wrote  you  by  Belden,  which  letter  I  expected 
wou'd  have  found  you  at  Wfd. ;  but  Lieut.  Strong  informs  that  you 
arriv'd  there  but  a  few  days  before  he  saw  you,  from  which  I  fear 
you  must  have  had  a  long  tedious  passage. 

He  likewise  brings  the  melancholly  news  of  the  Death  of  your 
Lady — whose  amiable  Character,  without  the  pleasure  of  a  Personal 
acquaintance,  I  find  sufficient  to  Interest  me  in  the  Affliction  of  her 
friends,  whose  grief  must  be  exceeding  great ;  but  the  sorrows  of 
one  possess'd  of  the  most  Susceptible  feelings,  and  in  that  near  Con- 
nexion which  you  had  but  lately  form'd  must  be  such,  as  will  require 
every  Virtue  to  support. 

For  me  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  an  humble  Submission  under 
the  most  afflictive  Events,  or  endeavor  to  alleviate  your  present  sor- 
rows, with  reminding  you,  that  those  Virtues  and  desirable  Accom- 
plishments, which  so  greatly  Endear'd  your  departed  friend,  are 
sufficient  grounds  to  believe  that  they  have  attended  her  to  those 
happy  Mansions,  where  only,  they  cou'd  receive  their  Reward ; 
would  as  improper,  as  unnecessary — since  the  same  disposition  on 
which  inclin'd  you  form  the  Connexion,  which  is  now  disolv'd,  will 
lead  you  to  such  Reflections  as  are  becoming  the  occasion  of  your 
sorrows. 

But  least  I  should  increase  that  grief,  which  I  wou'd  wish  to 
soften — I  will  only  add  to  this  melancholly  Letter — that  I  most 
Cordially  share  with  you,  in  your  present  Affliction — and  my  sin- 
cerest  wishes  that  your  sorrows  may  receive  every  consolation  which 


376        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

the  necessity  of  your  grief  can  admit — and  am  with  sincere  friend- 
ships &  Esteem  Yr.  Humble  Servt. 

S.  W.  Williams. 

P.  S.  please  to  present  my  most  friendly  Comp^  to  your  good 
Brother  &  family. 


The  enclos'd  letter  to  my  afflicted  friend,  I  expected  to  have  for- 
warded by  Capt.  Bulkley,  but  as  he  has  postpon'd  the  journey  for  a 
few  days — shall  send  it  by  Belden,  who  arriv'd  last  evening  and 
leaves  Camp  tomorrow. 

The  friendly  manner  in  which  you  mention  the  reception  of  my 
former  letters,  confers  the  obligation  upon  myself — if  they  afforded 
the  least  satisfaction  in  the  distress'd  Situation  in  which  they  found 
ycu,  it  is  all  I  could  wish.  And  in  your  present  affliction  to  deny 
that  Consolation  which  the  most  Sympathetic  feelings  of  a  friend, 
cou'd  afford,  wou'd  be  unfriendly  indeed.  I  am  sensible  it  is  only 
those  who  have  experienc'd  the  loss  that  can  reallize  your  sorrows — 
we  know  them  to  be  severely  great,  and  most  sincerely  share  with  you 
in  grief. 

As  Capt.  Bulkley  writes  you,  it  will  be  unnecessary  for  me  to  be 
particular  in  Regimental  matters — indeed  I  cou'd  only  say  that  the 
men  are  destitute  of  Cloaths  even  to  a  greater  degree  than  they 
were  last  winter — we  expect  to  draw  cloathing  shortly  but  it  may  be 
several  weeks  first. — I  hope  Col?  Huntington  will  come  on  as  soon 
as  he  can  make  it  convenient,  as  it  is  a  matter  of  consequence  to 
have  a  field  off*  with  the  Reg1.  *  We  expect  the  Lads  from  the 
Southward  will  soon  be  here — the  Invalids  fom  Colo.  Scammell's 
Detach4,  have  arriv'd — we  are  just  beginning  a  furlough — the  Orders 
are  very  strict — there  is   to  be   i    field  off1:  to  each  Reg1.  ,  &  a 

*  "  Captain  Williams  doubtless  gives  you  the  situation  of  the  Regiment — I  am 
sorry  it  is  necessary  for  you  to  be  troubled  with  such  affairs  now — a  Field  Officer 
must  be  with  the  Regt  this  Winter.  I  shall  tarry  some  time  longer  than  I  other- 
wise should,  had  Colo  Huntington  been  present  at  my  arrival, — (but  I  shall  not 
remain  for  more  than  a  fortnight).  I  should  imagine  he  ought  not  now  to  be 
critical  as  to  the  expiration  of  his  furlough. — The  condition  of  our  whole  Line  is 
at  present  very  disagreeable — the  soldiers  uneasy  for  want  of  pay  and  cloaths — I 
wish  our  Friends  in  Conne*  were  properly  sensible  of  the  consequences  which 
may  attend  it."     Major  Wyllys  to  Colonel  Webb,  10  December,  178;. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  377 

Comras"?  offr  to  each  C?  constantly  present — &  only  two  men  from 
a  C?  on  furlough ;  we  have  heard  nothing  from  the  SergV5  which 
were  with  you  on  the  passage — it  wou'd  be  injurious  to  those  here 
for  them  to  be  long  absent — you  have  probably  heard  that  Capt. 
Parsons  has  Retir'd — &  that  Rogers  succeeds  him  in  the  Regt.  so 
that  we  have  only  three  Capts.  on  the  Staff — Gen1.  Parsons  is  very 
sick  at  Danbury — his  Excellency  is  expected  here  in  a  short  time, 
which  will  afford  pleasure  to  those  who  have  already  too  long  been 
under  the  Command  of  some,  we  wou'd  wish  to  be  clear  of. 

I  will  close  this  letter  with  the  request  of  the  Gent?  of  the  Regi- 
ment, whose  best  wishes  attend  you,  &  who  sincerely  lament  your 
misfortunes — and  am  with  the  sincerest  Esteem — 

Yr  affectionate  friend — 

S.  W.  Williams. 

Connt.  Hutts,  December  1st,  1781. 


FROM   WILLIAM    S.    LIVINGSTON. 

Beverwycke,  5th  Deer,  1781. 
Was  I  writing  to  you  my  dear  Webb  in  the  usual  Stile  of  Friend- 
ship, and  had  no  other  Feelings  to  express  than  my  own,  I  should 
be  at,  but  little  Loss,  to  convey  my  Ideas  ;  But  to  feel,  as  I  now  feel, 
and  to  write  you  what  all  of  this  Family  feel,  (particularly  Cornelia) 
on  the  Subject  of  your  late  Misfortunes,  is  a  Task  for  which  I  confess 
I  am  inadequate.  You  have  lost  a  fond  and  affectionate  Wife,  we  a 
sincere  and  inestimable  Friend.  Acquainted  with  her  Younger 
Years  we  trace  the  Remembrance  of  her  Virtues  with  Pleasure, 
which  seem,  on  recollection  to  be  numbered  equal  with  her  Days. 
Pleased  with  the  Connection  she  had  formed,  Scenes  of  Bliss  (the 
Reward  of  her  MerriO  opened  to  Our  View,  and  Happiness  on  Earth 
(which  all  who  knew  her  wish'd  to  be  her  Lot)  seem'd  to  have  been 
destined  thro'  you  to  have  been  her  Portion.  If  there  is  a  possibil- 
ity of  being  so  here,  I'm  sure  she  was  in  the  proper  Channel  to  re- 
ceive it.  You  knew  very  early  My  Sentiments  respecting  her,  you 
know  the  Affection  of  Cornelia,  &  this  whole  family  for  her ;  and  can 
therefore  judge  how  our  feelings  must  be  at  the  News  of  her  Death  ; 
especially  when  the  Distress  of  one,  who  has  ever  been  (and  we  hope 
ever  will  be)  our  sincere   Friend,  is  Connected  with  the  Melancholy 


378        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Tale.  And  while  we  have  lamented  with  the  Husband,  I  assure  you, 
not  a  few  Tears  have  fallen  for  the  afflicted  Parent,  Deprived  of  a 
fond  and  affectionate  Husband,  a  Dutiful  &  Obedient  Daughter  was 
her  only  Comfort,  She  too  Providence  has  thought  fit  to  remove, 
only  because  perhaps  she  was  too  much  lov'd,  and  had  not  Fate  or- 
dained, that  all  who  knew  should  love,  why  would  she  have  been  so 
lavish  of  her  Virtues.  It  is  a  Comfort  however  she  liv'd  to  see  Con- 
necticut, &  your  friends.  Death  on  the  Passage  would  have  been 
insupportable.  We  believe  with  you  she  has  made  a  good  Exchange 
&  this  must  prove  a  Source  of  Comfort  to  you  &  her  afflicted 
Mother.  Every  wish'd  for  Consolation  in  the  Power  of  your  Friends 
to  give  we  know  you  will  receive.  Our  warmest  Sentiments  of  Es- 
teem &  Regard  for  you  &  every  Branch  of  your  Family  is  herewith 
sent  you  (to  which  Miss  Cornelia  adds  her  Love  &  Thanks  for  her 
Letter)  and  in  particular  those  of  Mrs.  Livingston  & 

Your  Sincere  &  Affectionate  Friend, 

Wm.  S.  Livingston. 
P.  S.     Write  me  as  often  as  Opportunity  offers. 


FROM   CAPTAIN   WILLIAMS. 

Connt  Hutts,  December  9th  1781. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

The  Sergt.  which  was  sent  into  Jersey  with  your  Letters  return'd 
this  day,  he  bro't  only  one,  which  will  be  handed  you  with  this — 
M?  Lott  did  not  write,  but  says  you  may  expect  a  letter  from  him 
very  soon — as  the  Sergt  who  carried  your  Letters  belongs  at  N. 
Haven,  it  will  be  inconvenient  to  send  him  to  Wf? .  shall  therefore 
send  another  Lad  with  this — as  Capt.  Bulkley  is  with  you,  it  will  be 
needless  for  me  to  be  particular  on  Regimental  matters ;  our  Lads 
are  so  intirely  destitute  of  clothing,  that  it  is  difficult  to  persuade 
them  to  take  furloughs — which  is  a  sufficient  proof  that  their  Uniform 
is  not  compleat. 

The  Light  Infantry,  and  a  part  of  Colo  Scammell's  Command 
arriv'd  here  yesterday.  Major  Wyllys  will  write  you — Capt  Betts  is 
not  arrived,  but  is  expected  within  a  few  days — the  other  Gent,  of 
the  Regt  from  Virginia  are  with  us,  but  all  expect  to  be  in  Connt 
very  soon — if  Col?  Huntington  cou'd  make  it  convenient  to  come 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  379 

before  the  Cloathing  is  drawn,  (which  it  is  probable  will  be  within 
fifteen  days  at  farthest)  I  think  it  wou'd  be  of  real  advantage  to  the 
Reg1.  .  Indeed  there  is  not  a  ncnth  in  the  year  in  which  it  is  of 
more  consequence  to  have  a  Field  Off*  with  the  Reg'  than  the  pres- 
ent— and  maj'  Wyllys  will  remain  with  us  but  a  very  few  days — We 
have  nothing  of  consequence  to  acquaint  you  with — we  expect  a  new 
arrangement  of  the  Army  will  shortly  take  place,  &  it  is  probable  the 
number  of  Regt*  will  be  reduc'd. — Genl  Lincoln  has  accepted  of  his 
appointment  of  Minister  of  War — &  remains  at  Philadelphia  with 
his  Excellency,  the  latter  it  is  probable  will  not  be  with  us  untill  late 
in  the  Winter — I  think  it  probable  that  several  SergV5  in  the  Line 
will  soon  be  promoted — wish  you  to  speak  to  Col?  Huntington  upon 
that  Subject,  that  if  you  shou'd  think  it  proper  to  promote  any  of 
ours,  we  may  not  be  behind  hand — at  present  the  want  of  orTr!  in 
the  Regt  is  a  real  injury  to  those  of  us  who  are  with  the  Reg*  — but 
I  have  only  room  to  request  my  most  friendly  Compt*  to  y*  Brother 
&  family,  &  other  Wf?  friends  and  am  with  sentiments  of  Esteem 
Yr.s  S.  W.  Williams. 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  JanY  4*,  1782. 
Dear  Barrell  : 

Believe  me  my  friend  and  Brother  when  I  tell  you, 
your  letter  of  sympathy  and  advice  which  has  been 
with  me  some  time,  has  afforded  me  hours  of  Consola- 
tion ;  the  very  tender  and  affectionate  manner  in  which 
you  mention  my  Dear  departed  Eliza,  and  your  ardent 
wishes  for  this  afflicting  stroke  of  Providence,  being 
properly  sanctifyed  to  Us,  merit  and  receive  our  warm- 
est thanks. — But  the  Glorious  Idea  you  have  given  me, 
of  again  meeting  the  Idol  of  my  Soul  in  the  Realms  of 
Bliss  has  afforded  me  more  real  consolation  &  happy 
reflections  than  every  other  circumstance  since  her 
biding  me  a  last  Adieu. — Tis  that  which  has  given  me 


380         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

pleaseing  Ideas  of  Death,  and  a  glorious  immortality, 
and  if  I  know  my  own  Soul  he  would  be  a  wellcome 
messenger  this  very  hour,  provided  I  am  properly  fitted 
for  those  rewards  in  Heaven,  which  I  am  confident  my 
Dear  Partner  will  receive. — This  World  truly  appears 
a  mighty  void,  nor  have  I  the  least  relish  for  its  great- 
est enjoyments. — Time  no  doubt  will  soften  my  afflic- 
tion, otherwise  nature  could  not  support  the  shock,  but 
to  forget  my  once  Dear  Eliza  is  as  impossible,  as  it  is 
for  me  ever  to  enjoy  her  company  here  on  Earth  again 
— nor  would  I  wish  it — her  life  and  conduct  was  such 
as  to  give  the  most  pleaseing  reflections, — her  mind 
and  Soul  was  too  great  and  good  to  be  confined  to  this 
scene  of  trouble  and  Misery,  'tis  therefore  I  trust  our 
Heavenly  Father  summoned  her  attendance  to  receive 
the  rewards  due  to  the  good  and  Virtuous. — We  there- 
fore ought  to  acquiess,  when  in  full  confidence  in  her 
Eternal  gain,  but  alas  how  hard  the  task!  time  and 
that  only  must  soften  our  Affliction,  &  with  patience 
and  resignation  we  must  wait  that  happy,  happy  period 
when  we  shall  have  a  pleaseing  reunion  with  our  Dear 
Departed  friend  in  the  Heavenly  Mansions  of  Bliss, 
never  again  to  be  separated. — I  could  dwell  hours  on 
the  subject,  but  it  only  awakens  my  grief  anew,  and  will 
to  a  Soul  of  your  sensibility  be  Distressing — a  day  e'er 
long  will  come  I  hope  when  I  may  sit  down  with  you, 
when  in  the  Bosom  of  Friendship  it  will  be  pleaseing 
to  relate  my  misfortunes,  and  name  the  innumerable 
Virtues  of  my  Dear  Eliza. 

Mrs.  Bancker  and  her  sister  beg  me  to  thank  you 
sincerely  for  the  Affectionate  manner  in  which  you 
mention  them — they  both  flatter  themselves  the  sattis- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  381 

faction  of  a  personal  acquaintance  with  you  &  my  Dear 
Sister,  to  whom  tender  my  warmest  Love. — I  should 
write  her  but  hear  she  has  just  presented  you  with  an- 
other fine  Daughter,  on  which  pleaseing  event  I  heart- 
ily congratulate  you  both,  that  you  both  may  spend 
many  happy  days  of  Domestic  felicity,  and  live  to  see 
your  dear  little  ones  introduced  properly  into  life  is  my 
fervent  prayer. 

Mrs.  Cary  and  my  Eliza  from  Infancy  were  strongly 
connected  by  the  ties  of  Friendship — from  that  circum- 
stance (if  no  other)  Mrs.  Bancker  has  a  great  Love  for 
her.  Cary  promised  to  bring  her  up,  but  I  suppose  the 
want  of  Snow  prevents — I  wish  it,  as  I  think  her  com- 
pany would  be  a  consolation  to  Mrs.  B. — should  this 
take  place,  I  shall  endeavor  to  persuade  the  latter  to 
return  with  her  to  Boston,  a  ride  and  variety  will  cer- 
tainly be  of  service  to  her.  I  shall  in  this  case  accom- 
pany her,  &  of  course  pass  a  few  days  at  your  Man- 
sion, where  I  am  sure  I  shall  find  as  much  Friendship 
and  Hospitality  as  any  where  in  Life. 

I  would  have  wrote  you  before,  but  my  mind  has  not 
been  in  a  situation  to  permit  it — let  me  hear  from  you 
frequently  and  be  assured  that  I  am  very  sincerely 
Your  friend  and  Very 

Affectionate  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

P.  S.  Eleven  oClock  at  night — Colo  &  Mrs.  Cary 
arrived  here  about  two  hours  past,  our  Sleighing  is 
quite  gone,  if  it  should  be  good  again  soon,  I  know  not 
but  I  may  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  You — I  wish  it 
— Adieu — 


382         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM    CAPTAIN   HOPKINS. 

Connecticut  Hutts,  9th  Jany  ,  1 782. 
My  dear  Colonel  Webb  : 

I  omitted  answering  your  Letter  untill  this  time  for  the  oppor- 
tunity of  giving  you  a  satisfactory  account  respecting  the  Clothing, 
as  I  observed  you  was  anxious  concerning  it.  The  matter  is  deter- 
mined, the  N  Hampshire  io*h  Massa.  N  York  &  N  Jersey  Lines  are 
to  receive  the  British  Dyed  Coats — We  have  already  got  a  propor- 
tion of  Shoes,  Hose,  Blankets  &  Cloth  for  Vests  &  Overalls,  the 
whole  is  of  an  excellent  quality — I  have  sett  the  Taylors  at  work 
under  the  direction  of  the  Serjeant-Major.  Have  ordered  the  Over- 
alls made  first  as  they  were  most  wanted,  reserving  the  Vests  to  de- 
liver with  the  Coats,  as  I  judged  it  would  be  most  agreeable  to  your 
wishes,  as  it  will  have  at  least  the  appearance  of  uniformity — there 
is  no  plan  that  can  be  adopted  to  deliver  the  whole  at  once,  the  ne- 
cesitys  of  the  Men  are  so  great.  The  Reg*  has  met  with  a  change 
in  regard  to  Officers,  Mr  [Timothy]  Taylor  &  Mr.  [Peter]  Robert- 
son have  left  us  for  promotion ;  [Isaac]  Strong  has  gave  a  finishing 
stroke  to  his  rascality  by  Deserting  from  his  arrest — 

The  Settlement  of  the  Rank  of  the  Subs  in  the  Line,  has  given  the 
Reg1,  three,  viz.  Mr.  [Martin]  Denslow  Mr.  [Matthew]  Gregory  & 
Mr.  Lord,  who  have  the  Rank  of  Lieutenants — Mr.  Denslow  I  have 
directed  to  join  the  4^  Compy  Mr.  Gregory  the  6l.h  &  Mr.  Lord  the 
8l.h  whenever  they  return  to  Camp,  at  present  they  are  all  absent,  I 
hope  it  will  meet  your  approbation — In  my  haste  I  made  a  mistake 
&  wrote  on  this  side  you  will  please  to  turn  back — Agreeable  to  the 
Gen1.  Orders  of  yesterday  this  day  all  the  Men  in  the  Line  that  has 
not  had  the  small-pox  will  be  innoculated  in  their  respective  Regi- 
ments. I  have  given  directions  respecting  the  Hutts  they  are  to 
occupy  in  ours — I  cannot  omitt  mentioning  the  real  necesity  there 
is  of  Doctr.  [Jeremiah]  West's  coming  on  immediately,  &  I  could 
wish  that  Capt.  Riley  &  Mr.  Meigs  might  be  informed  of  the  pro- 
priety cf  their  coming  on  also.  The  Gentl?  Present  have  as  much 
as  they  can  possibly  attend  too  exclusive  of  what  the  inocculation 
will  throw  on  them ;  they  complain,  &  request  me  to  mention  the 
matter — The  closing  of  the  last  Years  ace1,  has  giveD  us  trouble 
when  there  has  been  no  officers  to  the  Companys  The  number  that 
goes  into  the  inoculation  in  the  Reg1,  is  One  Hundred  and  twenty 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  383 

one — I  don't  know  if  I  fully  comprehend  you  respecting  the  Coats, 
you  say  in  the  same  manner  as  the  officers — do  you  mean  to  have 
the  pocket  open  on  the  outside  ?  I  wish  to  be  informed  of  that  cir- 
cumstance— I  conclude  My  Dr.  Col?  with  every  Consolable  senti- 
ments for  your  unhappy  situation. 

Your  sincere  Friend  &  very  Humble  Serv'. 

E.  Hopkins. 
I  must  beg  you  to  make  my  respectful  Compliments  to  Mrs. 
Banker  &  Miss  Duyckinck.     I  sincerely  thank  them  for  their  Polite 
attention : 


FROM   CAPTAIN   WALKER. 

Stratford,  13th  Jany  ,  1782. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

This  letter  will  be  handed  you  by  Lieut.  Gorham,  who  is  on  his 
way  to  Hartford,  beg  you  to  notice  him  as  he  is  in  my  opinion  a 
Gentleman  of  merit.  Had  promised  myself  the  pleasure  of  spend- 
ing a  little  time  with  you  when  I  went  with  the  General  to  Hartford  ; 
but  the  weather  unfortunately  prevented  ;  &  my  business  obliged  me 
to  return  to  this  Place  so  soon  after  that  it  was  impossible  for  me  to 
make  you  a  Visit,  how  long  before  I  shall  be  that  way  again  unless 
business  should  call,  is  uncertain —  Was  inform'd  when  at  the  East- 
ward that  you  had  thoughts  of  quiting  the  service,  what  new  reasons 
you  may  have  to  me  are  unknown,  the  one  respecting  your  Rank  I 
cannot  conceive  of  any  importance,  as  it  was  determined  by  a  Board 
of  General  officers,  approved  by  General  Washington,  &  certainly  in 
the  Line  of  the  Army  it  is  not  Judged  to  your  dishonour  :  As  to  the 
late  unforeseen  Misfortunes  in  your  family,  perhaps  may  in  your 
Mind  at  present  be  thought  a  sufficient  reason.  Be  assured  Sir  I 
feel  for  you  and  sincerely  lament  your  Situation.  Your  prospects 
were  doubtless  great  and  very  pleasing  :  you  had  arrived  at  a  Situa- 
tion in  life  which  promised  much  happiness,  &  to  have  them  all 
blasted  in  a  moment  must  deeply  wound  your  feelings.  However 
Melancholy  &  distress*?  you  may  at  present  feel :  yet  I  must  say 
should  be  exceding  sorry  to  have  you  leave  us  at  this  interesting 
Period,  if  you  can  anyway  make  yourself  &  friends  contented. 


384        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

My  most  respectfull  Compliments  to  your  Brother  &  Family  also 
Col :  Chester's 

I  am  Dear  Sir  with  respect  &  esteem 

your  Obed1?1  Serv?* 
J.  Walker. 


FROM    CAPTAIN   JOHN   WEBB. 

Kensington,  3d  February,  1782. 
Dear  Brother  : 

On  my  arrival  to  my  Quarters  I  found  a  letter  directed  to  you, 
and  by  the  appearance  of  the  Seal,  I  am  lead  to  believe  that  it  has 
been  open'd — I  shall  enquire  of  the  Dragoon  who  brought  it,  tho' 
he  is  a  very  honest  clever  fellow  perhaps  its  owing  to  the  badness  of 
the  Wax  &  bringing  it  in  his  pocket — I  now  send  you  it  by  W? 
Clark  of  my  Troop. 

When  I  was  with  you  I  forgot  to  mention  to  you  the  ungentleman- 
like  behaviour  of  a  Major  who  I  came  in  with  to  mess  the  particu- 
lars I'll  give  you  when  I  come  in — I  impute  it  to  his  ignorance  of 
the  polite  world — nothing  (I  may  say)  but  my  Damnable  Situation 
in  this  Corps,  would  have  made  me  put  up  with  his  treatment-  -He 
is  in  my  opinion  (If  Brothers  ought  to  resent  any  Insults  cffer'd  to 
their  Familys)  a  Character  that  our  Family  ought  to  despise — I 
have  several  times  experienced  this  kind  of  treatment — If  it  was 
such  an  affront  as  to  justify  me  to  call  him  to  an  account,  I  should 
soon  settle  the  matter.  He  has  so  good  an  opinion  of  himself,  that 
he  begins  to  think  every  person  who  he  visits  are  highly  honor' d  by 
his  Company — The  lad  has  by  some  means  or  other  got  a  few  hun- 
dred pounds  in  his  pocket,  which  is  so  much  beyond  anything  he 
ever  expected,  or  had  a  right  to  expect,  that  he  don't  know  how  to 
behave — I  was  in  hopes  no  one  took  notice  of  his  impoliteness  to 
me,  but  I  found  that  several  did — I  think  I  have  done  the  Puppy  to 
much  honor  to  have  wasted  so  much  time  &  paper  on  his  Rascally 
Name — Had  not  the  Miss  Smiths  been  in  the  Stage  I  should  have 
given  him  my  sentiments  fully  on  his  conduct,  but  I  thought  deli- 
cacy forbid  me  to  take  notice  of  it  before  them. 

I  think  a  Copy  of  the  letter  to  Clarkson  ought  to  be  copy'd  & 
sent  on.     Spring  is  advancing  fast,  &  I  think  the  Sloop  ought  to  be 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  385 

as  soon  as  the  River  breaks  up  ready  to  sail — Also  that  Letter  to 
Egbert  Benson  Esq!;  ought  to  be  copy'd  &  sent,  for  fear  that  the 
first  has  not  reach'd  him — 

Present  my  love  to  MT.S  Bancker  Aunt  Polly  and  my  Brothers  and 
Sisters  and  believe  me  to  be  as  usual 

Yours  sincerely 

J.  W. 


FROM   CAPTAIN   BETTS. 

[Highlands,  February,  1782.] 
Sir: 

Notwithstanding  I  joined  the  Regiment  the  2oth  of  Dec1:  yet  the 
prospects  of  a  field  officer's  being  on  soon — has  prevented  my  Writ- 
ing till  this  time. 

And  it  is  by  no  means  fatigues  or  any  trouble  that  falls  upon  me 
in  consequence  of  Commanding  the  Reg1.  — that  Induces  me  to 
Write  with  respect  to  it. 

but  it  is  the  perticular  disadvantages  ariseing  from  its  being  Cam- 
manded  by  an  inferior  officer — Especialy  at  a  time  when  there  is  so 
much  depending,  and  it  Cannot  be  Expected  that  an  officer — who 
has  never  extended  his  Ideas  beyond  the  Command  of  a  C?  should 
be  able  to  digest  Matters  of  a  Regimental  Concern  with  that  decis- 
ion, which  is  looked  for  from  those  whose  interest  Consists  in  study- 
ing it.  Consequently  all  the  exertions  of  under  officers  will  not 
support  the  Reputation  of  a  Reg1,  nor  prevent  the  sacrifice  of  their 
own.  Request  you  will  pleas  to  send  such  Instructions  as  you  shall 
think  necessary  from  time  to  time  which  shall  be  as  accurately  Com- 
plied with  as  my  abilities  will  admit  of 

Am  with  Esteem  your  Ob"?  Serv* 

S.  Betts. 

Gen1.  Heath  Informs  me  that  Ll.  Col?  Huntingdon],  has  his  per- 
mission to  Continue  with  his  Brother. 

Capt.  Hopkin's  destitute  Circumstances  with  respect  to  Cloathing 
— renders  it  Necessary  for  Capt.  Riley  to  join  as  soon  as  his  busi- 
ness will  possibly  admit. 


386        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   HEATH. 

Headquarters,  Highlands,  Feby  4,  1 782. 
My  dear  Sir: 

Your  regiment  has  been  without  a  field  officer  present  to  command 
it,  for  a  considerable  time.  A  large  proportion  of  the  regiment  being 
under  inoculation  for  the  small  pox,  and  the  clothing  of  the  whole  to 
be  made  up,  as  well  as  many  other  considerations  absolutely  require 
the  constant  presence  of  one  of  the  field  officers.  I  must  therefore 
request  that  you  or  lieutenant  colonel  Huntington  repair  to  the  regi- 
ment as  soon  as  possible.  You  may  agree  which  shall  come ;  but 
one  is  indispensible. 

I  am  with  very  great  regard,  Dear  Sir,  Your  obed*  Servant, 

W.  Heath. 


FROM   RICHARD  CARY. 

Boston,  21  Febry  1782. 
Dear  Webb  : 

I  have  this  moment  rec^  yours,  and  heating  that  young  MT.  Blagg 
is  just  setting  off  for  Connecticut,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  of 
scribbling  one  line  to  you  just  to  cover  the  abbe  Raynal's  perform- 
ance *  for  you,  and  the  new  Constitution  f  for  Col.  Chester,  which 
last  you  will  please  to  present  to  him  with  my  best  regards. 

I  am  sensible  your  charges  against  me  are  too  just,  but  I  know 
you  will  believe  that  I  am  not  wanting  in  affection  to  my  friends. 
Indeed,  I  am  naturally  too  averse  to  writing,  but  at  present  my 
mind  is  far  from  being  in  a  state  of  tranquility — which  must  be  my 
apology.  M^  Woodward  is  afraid  to  undertake  your  Ring,  so  I  shall 
commit  it  to  the  care  of  M*  Blagg. — As  to  the  shoes,  I  don't  recol- 
lect anything  about  them,  but  perhaps  Mrs.  Cary  does,  and  they 
shall  be  forwarded.  Mr.  Barrell  tells  me  you  think  of  coming  down 
here  before  you  go  to  camp,  which  I  am  happy  to  hear.     Your 

*  "  The  Revolution  of  America,"  by  the  Abbe  Raynal.  An  edition  was  printed 
n  Boston  in  1781. 

f  It  was  in  March,  1 780,  that  a  convention  in  Massachusetts  completed  a  State 
Constitution. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  387 

Barrell  of  Port  is  gone ;  tell  your  Bro  :  I  shall  forward  his  Madeira 
by  the  first  good  opportunity.  Give  my  best  love  to  everybody,  and 
believe  me  most  affectionately  yours. 

R.  Cary,  Jr. 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Connecticut  Village,  i6*h  March,  '82. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Your  favor  of  the  3?  Instant  was  handed  me  by  Captain  [Samuel 
William]  Williams  ;  as  he  brought  me  a  large  Packet,  he  was  doubly 
welcome  to  Camp,  I  was  Glad  of  his  Arrival  both  on  Account  of  the 
Packet  &  his  Company.  To  pay  him  for  his  kindness  I  reported 
him  to  the  Command1,  of  the  Brigade  for  overstaying  his  furlough, 
in  Consequence  of  which  he  has  had  an  hearing  before  a  Court  of 
Enquiry  &  acquitted  with  honor ;  his  reasons  appeared  to  me  suff4.  , 
but  by  Genl  Orders  all  who  transgress  must  be  reported  &  heared  by 
a  Court  of  Enquiry  or  C.  Martial,  however  good  and  Satisfactory 
their  reasons  may  appear. — By  Doctor  [Jeremiah]  West  I  informed 
you  of  the  Surgeoncy  being  vacant,  and  requested  you  to  apply  to 
the  Gov!:  &  Council,  but  it  will  be  needless,  as  Doct^  [John]  Coch- 
ran is  vested  with  that  power  on  your  recommendation  to  him,  & 
without  it  can  not  make  an  appointment. — The  business  I  expected 
to  have  been  engaged  in  when  I  left  Weth?  is  become  a  matter  of 
very  great  doubt  to  me,  but  at  present  am  not  able  to  say  how  those 

matters  will  be  whether  my *  Expectation  will  be  answer*?  or 

not.  The  Certificates  &  information  about  the  Sick  mentioned  in 
your  letter  will  be  noticed,  but  I  had  previous  thereto  sent  for  them 
&  all  others  who  are  to  be  Called  by  the  Generals  Order  to  join  their 
Regiment.  I  have  wrote  Gen  W —  about  Mr.  Sands'  issues,  at 
present  we  are  much  disatisfied  and  are  led  to  believe  we  must  surTer 
every  inconvenience  that  is  in  his  power  to  inflict.  Cap1.  [Richard] 
Sill  will  be  able  to  inform  you  about  the  difficulties  Complain?  of, 
and  which  as  yet  we  are  not  able  to  get  Redress?  we  Expected  an 
Interview  with  the  Secretary  at  war  on  the  Subject,  but  bis  tarry  in 
Camp  was  so  short,  that  we  were  disapointed.—  I  am  happy  to  hear 
of  your  intended  Reformation  which  you  mention  in  your  letter  is 

*  A  word  illegible. 


3S8         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

about  to  take  place,  &  that  your  Correspondents  shall  not  have  that 
just  reason  to  Complain  in  future  which  for  a  long  time  they  have 
had.  The  resolves  of  Assembly  in  regard  to  Compleeting  their 
Quota  in  the  field  Appears  to  me  inadequate  for  the  purpose — if  as 
last  Campaign  they  send  down  their  Six  or  twelve  Month  Men,  they 
will  do  Essential  injury — they  come  into  the  field  &  spend  the  three 
first  Months  in  learning  their  duty  &  the  rest  of  their  time  lie  in  their 
hutts  unfit  for  duty  for  want  of  Clothing,  in  hopes  by  their  remaining 
in  that  situation  the  Publick  will  be  induced  to  discharge  them,  as 
they  are  eating  the  Provision  of  the  Publick  without  rendr?  them 
any  Service,  nor  will  they  tho'  within  forty  Miles  of  their  Parents  & 
friends  send  for  any  Clothing — you  have  Six  in  your  Reg1,  belonging 
to  Hartford,  who  are  nearly  as  naked  as  when  they  came  into  the 
World,  they  will  not  send  for  Clothing  in  hopes  I  shall  be  induced  to 
discharge  them  for  want  thereof,  or  else  give  them  furloughs  to  go  & 
obtain  it — but  instead  of  that  I  have  directed  them  to  daily  fatigue 
on  the  Parade  of  the  Reg1.  ,  nor  shall  they  be  discharged  one  Minute 
before  their  time  expires  on  any  account.  I  will  punish  them  in  that 
way  as  a  terror  to  tnose  who  may  come  after,  as  an  inducement  to 
Clothe  themselves  (for  the  term  they  engage)  out  of  the  large 
bounty's  they  receive.  Is  it  not  possible  to  oblige  them  who  shall 
enlist  on  the  resolve  of  the  Assembly  to  be  so  provided  with  Cloth- 
ing as  to  be  able  to  do  duty  during  their  Service  ?  I  have  enclosed 
a  letter  to  you  Sister  Hetty  which  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  Deliver. 
Please  make  my  Compliments  to  Mr.s  Bancker  &  Miss  Duyckinck,  & 
believe  me  to  be  yours  Eben  Huntington. 

I  am  in  hopes  something  will  turn  up  so  as  to  Oblige  us  to  quit 
this  Cursed  Vale  soon,  otherwise  we  shall  be  afflicted  with  greater 
Punishment,  than  an  Enlightened  people  ought  to  suffer.  Adieu, 
Adieu. 


TO  .EVERT    BANCKER. 

Wethersfield,  in  Connect,  March  17,  1781  [1782]. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Haveing  received   no  answer  to  my  letter  of  the 

24th  Deer  I  am  led  to  think  it  has  never  reached  you, 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  389 

— therefore  apprehensive  you  may  think  us  unmindfull 
of  you,  I  again  acquaint  you  that  we  arrived  at  this 
place  on  the  15th  of  Nov.  in  a  Flag  of  truce  from 
Jersey  Via  New  York — it  was  obtained  on  Ace*,  of  my 
Dear  Mr.s  Webb  who  had  been  in  a  Decline  most  of  the 
Summer,  it  was  recommended  by  the  Physicians  as  the 
only  probable  means  left  to  restore  Her  to  Health, — 
our  hopes  were  highly  flattered  that  Sailing  &  a 
Change  of  Air  would  be  a  means  of  her  again  obtain- 
ing that  best  of  Blessings,  but  alas,  how  were  we  dis- 
appointed, but  three  days  after  we  landed  (the  18th 
Nov)  The  Dear  Amiable  Girl  resigned  her  Breath  to 
him  that  eave  it.  &  I  doubt  not  has  made  a  o-lorious 
change  from  a  World  of  trouble,  disappointment  and 
Misery,  for  a  seat  in  the  Heavenly  Mansions  of  Bliss 
— But  for  us  the  stroke  was  too  heavy — her  Mamma 
here  lost  her  only  Comfort,  to  Betsy's  tenderness  and 
filial  Affection — the  loss  of  her  Pappa,  was  in  a  great 
measure  alleviated, — but  Cruel  Death  has  deprived 
her  of  the  Idol  of  her  Heart, — and  for  myself  I  was  as 
happy  as  this  World  could  make,  the  Scene  is  Changed, 
81  I  am  wretched.  She  was  all  that  Man  could  wish, — 
she  lov'd  her  friends  and  among  them  you  was  ever 
named  as  one  of  the  first, — but  why  should  I  dwell  on 
a  so  painfull  Subject,  she's  gone  and  is  beyond  a  doubt 
happy,  her  life  from  Infancy  to  Death  sanctify's  the  as- 
sertion, this  is  a  glorious  Consolation,  &  e're  long  I 
hope  we  may  meet  her  in  that  World  where  Sorrow 
Grief  &  Pain  is  never  known.  Mr.sBancker  is  very 
desireous  of  writing  you  herself,  but  the  Subject  is 
more  than  she  is  able  to  bear,  her  warmest  affection 
attends  you  your  Lady  and  the  family,  Miss  Duyckinck 


3QO        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

who  is  with  us  begs  to  [be]  remember'd — for  myself; 
though  unknown^  on  your  own  Ace1.  — on  accfc.  of  your 
Connection  with  her  who  was  once  the  Dear  Partner 
of  my  Heart — and  with  my  good  Mother,  I  feel  sin- 
cerely an  Affection  which  from  your  merit  I  am  confi- 
dent will  ever  increase — that  I  may  be  deserving  a  re- 
turn of  yours  is  my  ardent  Wish.  Accept  my  Dear 
Sir  my  hearty  good  Wishes  for  Your  Health  &  pros- 
perity 

I  cannot  close  without  Requesting  if  in  your  power 
you  will  endeavor  to  visit  your  Sister  at  this  place,  the 
Season  is  comeing  on  when  the  Rideing  will  be  pleas- 
ant &  agreeable,  &  be  assured  that  your  presence  will 
add  much  to  the  Comfort  of  your  too  afflicted  Sister. 
I  would  myself  take  her,  in  the  Carriage  and  go, imme- 
diately to  Kingston  to  pay  you  a  Visit,  but  my  Profes- 
sion forbids. — I  am  obliged  to  be  with  my  Regt  before 
the  ioth  of  April, — till  when  I  was  busily  employed  in 
rangeing  my  Domestic  concerns. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM    CAPTAIN    WALKER. 

Middle  Town,  28th  March,  1782 
Dear  Col  : 

I  have  got  so  far  on  my  way  to  Wethersfield,  where  I  flattered 
myself  should  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  before  my  return  to 
Camp ;  but  upon  my  arrival  here  find  the  General  [Parsons]  sets 
out  for  Camp  tomorrow  in  order  to  resign  his  Commission,  shall 
therefore  return  with  him  as  far  as  Stratford  and  prepare  myself  to 
join  the  Regiment  by  the  ioth  of  April  where  I  hope  to  meet  you. 
So  you  see  we  go  from  one  degree  of  grace  to  another,  from  the 
Horse  to  the  Foot.  However  you  well  know  it  is  no  more  than 
what  I  have  done  before,  &  thank  God  am  able  yet  and  not  above 
doing  the  duty  of  Captain. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  391 

[Timothy]  Bevins  who  has  been  with  me  for  a  year  past  will  hand 
you  this;  he  is  a  Soldier  in  your  Reg1  a  good  honest  Lad,  has 
served  in  the  Regt  from  the  first,  though  has  not  been  able  to  dis- 
charge the  duty  of  Soldier,  by  reason  of  a  Pain  at  his  Brest  which  he 
is  subject  to,  he  has  a  Brother  who  will  enlist  to  take  his  Place. 
The  lad  is  about  seventeen  years  of  age,  &  am  informed  is  a  strong 
hearty  Boy.  should  think  [he]  might  be  more  beneficial  in  the 
Regt.  than  one  :  wish  you  would  inform  Bevins  whether  you  will 
accept  of  his  Brother  or  not.  also  must  request  you  to  inform  me 
what  your  opinion  of  the  matter  may  be — Suppose  you  will  go  on  to 
Camp  soon — wish  if  you  would  make  it  convenient  you  would  come 
by  the  way  of  Stratford  &  I  will  be  your  company. 

Our  good  Friend  Sally  Johnson  is  on  the  decline  &  I  fear  is  not 
long  for  this  world.  Was  there  yesterday ;  the  Family  desired  there 
compliments  to  their  Wethersfield  Friend.  My  best  respects  to 
your  Brother  Family  and  all  Friends 

I  am  Dear  Sir  your  sincere  Friend  &  Humble  Serv* 

J.  Walker. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  TRUMBULL. 

Head  Quarters,  15th  April,  1782 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  Salmon  came  safe  and  in  excellent  Order.  His  Excellency 
requests  your  Acceptance  of  his  best  Thanks  for  the  favor.  The 
Genl  &  Lady  are  this  Day  engaged  to  Dine  with  my  Lord  Stirling 
on  the  other  side  the  River — upon  an  Invitation  given  last  week. 
The  Gentlemen  of  the  Family,  who  will  be  at  Home,  will  be  very 
glad  to  see  you  this  Day,  &  if  you  come,  you  will  be  so  good  as  to 
stay  'till  tomorrow,  when  His  Excels  will  be  Home. 

Your  most  ob*  Ser* 

J.  Trumbull,  Jr.. 
Hump  [Humphreys]  is  gone  with  the  General. 


FROM   LORD   STIRLING. 

Fishkill,  April  23d  1782.. 
Dear  Sir: 

I  have  your  letter  of  yesterday  evening  accompanying  one  from 


392         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

r — 

General  Patterson  on  the  subject  of  the  Contract  and  Contractor 
[Comfort  Sands].* 

In  Consequence  of  the  letter  you  mention  from  His  Excellency 
the  Commander-in-Chief  to  General  Heath,  I  do  suppose  some 
Order  has  by  this  time  issued,  to  which  we  must  conform  ourselves 
in  our  proceedings  ;  but  in  whatever  mode  it  is  to  be  conducted,  the 
officers  of  the  army  may  be  assured  I  shall  give  them  the  best  as- 
sistance in  my  power  in  fairly  stating  their  grievances,  and  in 
detecting  the  impositions  of  the  contractor.  Whoever  is  appointed 
to  represent  the  officers  on  this  occasion,  should  immediately  possess 
themselves  of  a  copy  of  the  contract,  for  without  it  they  will  be  grop- 
ing in  the  dark.  General  Heath  has  one,  which  I  doubt  not  he  will 
communicate.  They  should  also  possess  themselves  of  every  fact, 
wherein  the  contractor  has  deviated  from  the  contract,  or  attempted 
it.  With  these  materials,  I  doubt  not  their  case  may  be  fully  and 
fairly  stated,  and  redress  of  grievances  be  obtained. 

Be  pleased  to  present  my  compliments  to  General  Patterson  and 
communicate  this  to  him,  in  answer  to  his  letter  in  behalf  of  the 
officers. 

I  am,  with  much  affection  and  esteem,  your  most  obedient  &  most 
humble  serv4. 

Stirling. 


TO  GOVERNOR  TRUMBULL. 
Connecticut  Hutts,  Highlands,  i*  May  1782. 
It  has  been  the  misfortune  of  the  Reg1,  under  my 
Command,  as  well  as  my  own,  to  loose  by  resignation 
my  Surgeon, — an  officer  which  never  ought  to  be 
Vacant.  Doctr.  [John]  Rose  who  has  serv'd  as  a 
Mate  for  long  time  with  reputation  to  himself,  and 
with  perfect  satisfaction  to  the  Regiment, — is  with 
propriety  a  Candidate  for  the  Vacancy.  Your  Ex- 
cellency too  well  knows  the  absolute  necessity  we 
have  for  experienced  Men  of  this  profession  to  need 

♦See  Writings  of  Washington,  X,  17,  31. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  393 

any  comment  from  me.  I  do  heartily  recommend  him 
for  the  present  Vacancy,  and  really  wish  his  appoint- 
ment may  soon  take  place,  that  I  may  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  looking  out  for  a  Mate.  A  Young  Man  who 
has  served  his  time  with  Doctr.  Turner  is  recom- 
mended, after  sattisfying  myself  on  the  subject  I  will 
write  Your  Excellency, — in  the  Interim,  I  shall  be 
happy  to  hear  from  you  respecting  Doctr.  Rose, — with 
real  Esteem  &  respect  I  have  the  honor 

to  be  Yr.  Excellency.5  Most  Obed*.    Servf. 

Sam1;  B.  Webb. 
Col°  3^  Connect  Reg1. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Weth.,  4th  May,  1783. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Stephen  Kellogg  of  your  Reg1,  has  this  day  called  on  me  &  in- 
formed me  he  has  rec?  a  letter  from  Cap'  Hopkins  to  join  the 
Reg4,  immediately  ;  Doctor  Olcott  tells  me  he  is  not  able  to  join  if 
he  attemps  it,  as  his  Leg  is  not  healed,  &  if  he  walks  on  it  at  this 
time  he  will  have  a  Stiff  Ancle,  I  do  not  believe  it  best  for  him  to 
attempt  it,  but  I  have  told  him  I  could  not  intermeddle  in  the 
matter  or  give  any  Encouragement. 

A  Certain  MT.  Calpin  (If  I  recollect  of  your  Reg*  )  is  now  sick 
at  Glastenbury  has  once  attempted  to  join  and  failed  &  Return1?  I 
think  he  has  been  returned  a  deserter,  he  will  join  when  able  but  at 
present  is  under  Sallivation  for  misfortunes  of  this  world.  John 
Goodrich  has  delivered  himself  on  the  Generals  Proclamation  &  will 
Join  in  the  Course  of  next  week. 

I  have  wrote  Bulkley  that  I  am  in  want  of  the  Horse  I  had  in 
keeping  at  New  Fairfield  &  wish  him  sent  me,  I  wish  you  could 
permit  Kirtland  who  was  taking  Care  of  him  when  I  left  Camp  to 
bring  him  to  me  &  give  him  leave  of  Absence  for  twelve  or  fourteen 
days,  for  Particular  reasons — we  have  a  Report  from  N  York  that 
Great  Britain  has  acknowledged  the  Independance  of  these  States, 


394        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

&  its  Coming  so  Particular  &  Circumstantial  has  induced  many 
people  to  believe  it.  I  hope  it  will  not  discourage  the  people, 
already  feeble  in  their  attempts  to  recruit,  from  any  further  Exer- 
tion, the  Story  is  Plausibly  told  &  Greedily  swallowed — I  wish 
Col?  Grovenor  to  know  that  we  have  Concluded  to  muster  no 
Negroes  &  for  that  Reason  I  expect  that  some  of  them  will  march 
to  Camp  in  hopes  to  be  received  there  as  usually  they  have  been,  if 
he  knows  the  reason  he  will  not  receive  them.  Your  Sister  Hetty 
has  been  unwell  for  some  days  past  but  has  now  got  nearly  well 
again.  MT.S  E.  Chester  is  unwell  &  Aunt  Polly  is  afflicted  with  a 
bad  Cold  the  rest  of  the  Family  are  as  usual.  Col?  Belden  is  very 
ill  &  not  expected  to  live  long.  Polly  Root  is  dead  as  I  was  in- 
formed yesterday.  Your  Sister  Hetty  desires  me  to  give  her  love  to 
you  &  to  tell  you  she  has  received  your  favor  &  will  acknowledge  it 
soon.     Sally  Chester  sends  her  Compliments  to  you 

I  am  dear  Sir  Yours  &? 

Eben  Huntington 
Since  writing  the  above  Cap*  Riley  has  called  on  me  with  my 
horse.  I  understand  that  no  allowance  will  be  allowed  me  for  one 
Ration  &  a  half  if  not  drawn,  if  that  is  the  case,  I  wish  some  of  you 
who  want  any  Ration  &  half  would  draw  it  &  give  me  the  worth  of 
it,  as  I  would  not  wish  Sand  benefitted  by  my  omission. 


FROM   BARNABAS   DEANE. 

Wethersfield,  14th  May,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  Duly  Rec?  yours  of  the  84.h  Inst*  &  Observe  what  you  Say  in 
Regard  to  writing  Each  Other,  I  have  not  the  Same  Excuse  to  make 
for  myself  which  you  have.  The  reasons  of  my  not  writing  has  been 
that  I  had  nothing  of  Consequence  En?  to  take  up  your  attention, 
or  to  fill  the  Side  of  a  Letter,  &  I  am  a  Verry  Poor  hand  to  write 
Except  on  Business,  I  have  not  the  happy  Faculty  of  Writing  a 
Long  Letter  Aty  Nothing  So  as  to  be  Entertaining. 

I  am  Exceeding  Sorry  to  hear  of  the  Mutiny  in  Camp  &  That 
Sergt     [Jared?]    Bunce   is   So    Deeply   Concern'd    in    it.*      The 

*  "  Minds  soured  by  distresses  are  easily  rankled — as  a  specimen  of  it,  the 
privates  of  the  Connecticut  Line  were  the  other  day  upon  the  eve  of  a  general 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB,  395 

Wretched  management  of  the  Publick  in  Fullfilling  their  Promisses 
&  Engagements  to  the  Armey  is  the  Cause  of  infinite  mischief  & 
They  Are  Justly  Chargeable  for  the  Blood  of  Those  who  Suffer  by 
their  Neglect.  No  Country  or  people  Ought  to  be  Free  that  will 
not  Support  the  Army  that  is  fighting  for  their  Liberties.  I  am  Sick 
&  Disgusted  at  the  Conduct  of  our  Assembly  &  the  Honest  Be- 
havior of  Congress. 

I  Can  find  no  Disposition  in  Either  of  These  bodys  to  pay  their 
Just  Debts,  Those  who  have  serv'd  them  most  they  Treat  the  worst 
&  indeed  they  Cheat  all  who  have  anything  to  do  with  them.  I  will 
not  add  on  this  Disagreeable  Subject  for  I  should  be  Branded  as  a 
Tory,  Traitor  &  Every  Other  Odious  Epithet  Can  be  Express'd, 
which  is  the  Case  where  a  man  writes  Only  Truth  &  his  Letters 
happen  to  be  intercepted  &  Get  into  the  hands  of  one  of  our 
Printers  who  are  such  Violent  Fellows  that  those  who  will  not  Lye 
as  bad  as  themselves  &  Swear  that  we  are  the  most  Virtuous  &  best 
people  in  the  World,  Pay  Our  Debts  best  &  Can  Beat  all  the  powers 
in  Europe  if  we  please,  That  Our  Friendship  is  Sought  for  all  Over 
the  World  &  Every  Power  in  Europe  wishes  our  Friendship  &  to  be 
an  alliance  with  us,  That  Our  Congress  is  the  most  Respectable 
Power  on  Earth  &?  &<? 

Now  if  a  man  happens  to  think  Different  from  the  Above  &  Be- 
lieves the  Reverse  &  Should  write  his  Friends  his  Sentiments  Freely 
&  it  Should  be  known,  he  is  at  Once  without  Further  Enquiry  held 
up  as  the  Vilest  Traitor  &  Villain  on  Earth,  which  is  the  Case  with 
my  Brother  S[ilas]  D[eane]. 

I  am  determined  for  my  part  not  to  Plague  my  head  with  Poli- 
ticks, yet  at  the  Same  Time  I  cannot  help  Speaking  when  I  See 
Such  Cursed  managements. 

I  have  Reed  a  Letter  from  my  Bro.  S.  D.  Dated  in  Gent,  Octor. 
2 1  st :  he  wrote  Gov.  Trumbull  at  the  Same  time  &  Several  Others 
here,  his  Letter  to  the  Govr.  he  Desired  might  be  Read  to  the  As- 
sembly &  kept  on  their  files  as  a  proof  for  or  Against  him  in  a  future 
Day,  when  it  will  be  made  to  Appear  whether  he  is  acting  the  part 

Mutiny.  The  vigilance  of  the  officers  discovered  it  a  few  hours  before  they  were 
to  parade,  and  the  ringleaders  have  been  tryed  and  executed."  Washington  to 
Robert  Morris,  1 7  May,  1 782. 


396        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

of  a  Faithful  Citizen  in  Warning  them  of  their  Danger,  or  the  part 
of  a  Traitor  &  Enemy  to  his  Country.* 

Baron  Steuben  informs  me  that  his  Friend  Writes  him  from  Paris 
that  Mr.  Deane  was  Lately  there  &  Staid  but  Three  Days  in  that 
City  &  That  he  had  the  Emperor's  Protection  &  staid  at  the  House 
of  his  Ambassaders  while  in  Paris.  I  was  exceeding  happy  that  he 
was  on  his  Guard,  &  knew  the  Danger  he  was  in  from  his  Enemies. 

Mrs.  Banker  &  Your  Sister  Hetty  Set  out  for  Norwich  this  Day  in 

*  It  becomes  necessary  to  recall  a  circumstance  that,  while  not  conclusive,  points 
strongly  to  a  lapse  of  virtue  on  Silas  Deane's  part.  Dishonored  and  neglected  by 
the  American  Congress,  his  services  in  behalf  of  American  Independence  forgotten, 
and  his  offers  of  continued  efforts  slighted;  in  great  poverty  and  distress,  he  sought 
occupation  in  Paris.  From  this  place,  either  he  was  approached  by  agents  of  the 
British  ministry,  or  he  himself  made  advances  to  them,  to  serve  as  a  negotiator 
with  the  rebellious  colonies — now  independent  States.  The  evidence  on  this 
point  consists  in  a  letter  from  George  III.  to  Lord  North,  dated  3  March,  1781 : 
— "  I  think  it  perfectly  right  that  Mr.  Deane  should  so  far  be  trusted  as  to  have 
three  thousand  pound  in  goods  for  America;  the  giving  him  particular  instruc- 
tions would  be  liable  to  much  hazard,  but  his  bringing  any  of  the  provinces  to  offer 
to  return  to  their  allegiance  on  the  former  foot  would  be  much  better  than  by  joint 
application  through  the  Congress;  for  if,  by  breaking  off  of  some,  the  rest  are 
obliged  to  yield,  no  farther  concert,  or  perhaps  amity,  can  subsist  between  them, 
which  would  not  be  the  case  in  the  other  mode,  and  the  fire  might  only  be  smoth- 
ered to  break  out  again  on  the  first  occasion."  In  July  the  British  intercepted 
some  letters  from  Deane  for  America,  which  were  laid  before  the  King.  His 
comment  after  reading  two  of  them  was,  "  too  much  appearance  of  being  con- 
certed with  this  country,  and  therefore  not  likely  to  have  the  effect  as  if  they  bore 
another  aspect."  It  does  not  necessarily  follow  that  these  letters  were  prepared 
with  the  advice  of  the  British  ministry.  In  August  Lord  North  sent  copies  to  Sir 
Henry  Clinton,  the  King  noting  this  as  the  "  most  likely  means  of  rendering  them 
of  some  utility."  He  added :  "  I  owne  I  think  them  too  strong  in  our  favour  to 
bear  the  appearance  of  his  spontaneous  opinions,  but  that,  if  supposed  to  be 
authentick,  they  will  see  they  have  by  concert  fallen  into  our  hands.  The  means 
Mr.  Deane  should  have  taken  as  most  conducive  of  the  object  he  seems  now  to 
favour  would  have  been  first  to  have  shewn  that  the  hands  of  France  are  too  full 
to  be  able  to  give  any  solid  assistance  to  America,  and  to  have  pointed  out  the 
ruin  that  must  attend  the  further  continuance  of  the  war;  and  after  having  given 
time  for  these  opinions  to  be  digested,  then  have  proposed  the  giving  up  all  ideas 
of  independency,  and  have  shewn  that  the  country  is  not  in  a  state  to  subsist 
without  the  assistance  of  some  foreign  Power,  and  that  consequently  so  mild  a 
Government  as  the  British  one  is  the  most  favourable  that  America  can  depend 
upon."  Deane  had  gone  to  Ghent,  an  act  which,  the  King  thought,  showed  his 
conduct  to  be  sincere. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  397 

C?  with  Gen1.  Huntington  &  his  Lady,  they  have  had  a  bad  Day  of 
it  &  I  fear  will  not  get  through  as  it's  Verry  Rainy.  I  have  No 
News  but  what  you  will  hear  before  this  Reaches  You,  I  was  in  hopes 
that  the  British  Parliament  would  have  put  a  Stop  to  the  War  in  this 
Country  this  Summer,  but  from  the  Last  ace4,  we  have  Little  Reason 
to  Expect  it. 

I  have  wrote  you  a  Long  unconnected  Letter  which  I  dare  say 
you  will  be  Tired  on  before  you  have  half  Read  it,  however  it  will 

Whether  the  alterations  in  the  text  in  Deane's  letters  were  made  in  England  or 
after  they  reached  America  is  immaterial;  yet  Deane  claimed  that  alterations  of 
serious  import  had  been  made  before  Rivington  printed  them.  In  this  garbled 
condition  they  first  reached  the  hands  of  Deane's  correspondents,  and  naturally 
excited  great  surprise.  That  Cornwallis  had  surrendered  was  not  known  to  Deane 
when  he  wrote  that  the  war  had  been  a  failure,  and  urged  a  reconciliation  with 
the  mother-country.  Governor  Trumbull  replied,  and  laid  both  letters  before  the 
Connecticut  Assembly. 

On  November  26th,  1781,  Robert  R.  Livingston  wrote  to  Franklin,  asking 
whether  any  intercepted  letters  from  Deane  to  persons  in  America  had  been  pub- 
lished in  Europe.  "  Rivington  has  given  us  many,  which  are  generally  believed 
to  be  his."  And  before  a  reply  could  be  given,  he  again  wrote  (23  January,  1782,) 
of  letters  from  Deane,  delivered  by  a  messenger,  confirming  the  authenticity  of 
those  published  by  Rivington.  To  John  Jay,  the  Secretary  of  Foreign  Affairs  was 
more  full :  "  Enclosed  you  have  copies  of  two  original  letters  from  Mr.  Deane,  in 
which  he  acknowledges  others  that  Rivington  has  published,  which  speak  a  still 
more  dangerous  language.  No  doubt  is  entertained  here  of  his  apostacy,  or  of  his 
endeavor  to  weaken  the  efforts  of  the  United  States,  and  to  traduce  the  character 
of  the  people  and  their  rulers,  both  in  Europe  and  America.  You  will  doubtless 
use  every  means  in  your  power  to  destroy  the  ill-effects  which  his  calumnies  may 
have  had  upon  the  minds  of  people  with  you." 

Unfortunately  it  was  no  reassuring  report  that  came  from  Europe.  Francis 
Dana  wrote  in  January  to  John  Adams  of  an  interview  with  Deane,  in  which  the 
latter  had  expressed  himself  with  painful  freedom  on  men  and  measures  in  Amer- 
ica, and  ending  with  "  an  apology  for  the  infamous  apostate  Arnold  !  "  Pranklin 
returned  much  the  same  reply.  "  He  resides  at  Ghent,  is  distressed  both  in  mind 
and  circumstances,  raves  and  writes  abundance,  and  I  imagine  it  will  end  in  his 
going  over  to  join  his  friend  Arnold  in  England."  This  prediction  came  true, 
though  Deane  took  the  step  of  first  consulting  Jay  through  Dr.  Bancroft  on  the 
expediency  of  his  visiting  England.  This  was  early  in  1783,  and  gave  Jay  an 
opportunity  to  say  that  he  was  no  longer  a  friend  of  Deane's,  that  he  had  heard 
of  his  being  in  the  British  interest,  and  that  he  attributed  to  a  nervous  disorder 
the  opinions  expressed  in  the  intercepted  letters.  Deane  came  to  England  and 
there  compleated  the  breach  between  himself  and  Jay  by  being  on  terms  of  famil- 
iarity with  Benedict  Arnold. 


398         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OE 

Serve  to  make  my  Promise  good  that  I  would  write  you  &  at  the 
Same  time  give  you  the  Satisfaction  in  Thinking  that  you  are  not 
often  having  such  kind  of  Stuff  Sent  you. 

I  Shall  not  Subscribe  my  Name  for  fear  of  Accidents  as  I  have 
wrote  Freely — 

I  am  Dear  Sir,  Your  Friend  And  Humble  Servt. 

[Barnabas  Deane.] 
Miss  Duyckinck  Sends  her  Love  to  you. 


FROM    CAPTAIN   ROGERS. 

Farmington,  May  17th,  1782. 
My  dear  Sir  : 

By  order  of  General  Huntington,  I  do  myself  the  honor  of  enclos- 
ing you  a  return  of  the  County  of  Hartford  as  made  out  and  com- 
pleted by  a  Committee  from  said  County.  The  General  has 
doubtless  wrote  you  on  the  Subject. 

Yours  of  the  7l.h  Inst :  was  but  yesterday  received,  for  which  am 
much  obliged  to  you. 

We  deeply  regret  that  the  Line  should  be  so  lost  to  all  sense  of 
honor  and  military  decorum,  as  to  fix  a  Stigma  upon  their  Character, 
that  time  can  never  wipe  away,  but  we  hope  the  spirited  exertions 
of  the  Officers  will  effectually  check  it,  before  they  proceed  to  any 
further  measures. 

Notwithstanding  the  low  estimation  placed  by  an  ungrateful 
Country  upon  their  Officers  yet  to  them  they  owe  the  existance  of 
the  Army,  and  consequently  the  existance  of  their  Liberty. 

Yesterday  we  had  a  general  Committee  of  the  State  to  discuss  and 
decide  some  disputable  points,  and  am  very  sorry  to  inform  you, 
that  every  debate  was  closed  with  a  hearty  negative  on  the  part  of 
the  State.  Today  we  commence  humble  supplicants  at  the  Shrime 
of  democracy  and  with  trembling  hand  and  quaking  hearts  implore 
their  \_rest  of  letter  missing]. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  399 

FROM   RICHARD   VARICK.* 

H»  Qurs,  May  18,  1782. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

Agreeable  to  promise  &  Duty  I  will  send  down  David  Gardner  of 
your  Regiment,  at  present  my  servant,  to  be  inspected  on  Tuesday 
next. 

The  Gentlemen  of  the  family  inform  me  that  there  will  be  no  Im- 
propriety in  your  permitting  him  to  return  to  me,  and  as  I  have  no 
other,  nor  will  Congress's  Finances  furnish  the  Means  of  getting  an- 
other, you'll  oblige  me  greatly  by  ordering  him  back  to  me  as  soon 
as  possible  after  Inspection. 

He  will  want  a  Shirt  or  Shirts  which  I  have  not  in  my  Power  to 
procure,  &  if  you  will  permit  him  to  have  any  other  of  his  Clothes  I 
will  attend  to  it  that  they  shall  not  be  parted  with,  or  even  worn,  but 
when  Decency  requires  a  Change  of  his  old  Clothes.  Col?s  Trum- 
bull &  Humphreys  will  speak  to  you  on  the  Subject. 

I  am  with  respect  yours 

Rich?  Varick. 


FROM   JOSEPH   BARRELL. 

Boston,  19th  May,  1782. 
Dear  Sam.  : 

I  was  disapointed  in  not  seeing  you  before  you  joined  the  army, 
as  you  promised  us  that  pleasure.  I  now  give  it  over  until  the  close 
of  the  Campaign,  which  I  trust  will  be  the  last ;  but  if  not,  I  hope 
the  exertions  of  this  season  will  drive  from  our  doors  the  common 
disturbers  of  our  peace,  and  if  they  must  wrangle,  let  it  be  on  British 
ground. 

I  wish  the  Employment  of  the  army  may  drive  from  your  mind 
the  painful  past  of  the  remembrance  of  your  dear  friend.  Time 
must  befriend  us  in  those  calamities,  or  nothing.  A  letter  lately 
from  Wethersfield  tells  us  Mrs.  Bancker's  grief  is  still  fresh.  I  pity 
her  from  my  heart,  but  I  greatly  wonder  she  grieves  so  much  when 
in  all  probibility  it  is  but  a  little  while  she  will  be  separated  from  her 
darling  child.  Her  loss  none  but  a  parent  knows,  and  you  can  be 
told  by  none.     I  have  lately  buried  my  youngest  child,  a  baby  too, 

*  Recording  Secretary  at  Head  Quarters. 


4oo         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

as  sweet  a  babe  as  I  ever  had  and  one  that  promised  fair  to  answer 
my  fondest  hopes.  He  was  4  mos.  old,  and  tho'  so  young  'twas 
taking  a  piece  of  the  heart,  but  there  are  things  that  have  to  be  sub- 
mitted to. 

By  a  vessel  yesterday,  in  40  days  from  Amsterdam,  we  have  as- 
surances that  in  a  few  days  the  Independence  of  America  will  be  ac- 
knowledged by  the  States  of  Holland. 

We  have  various  reports  of  the  Engagements  in  the  West  Indies 
between  the  two  fleets,  but  from  what  I  can  gather,  my  opinion  is 
that  the  French  have  got  the  best  of  it.  If  this  be  the  case  I  think 
the  chance  is  ten  to  one  that  Jamaica  falls,  as  I  wish  it  to  most 
ardently. 

Friday  we  had  a  certain  acc't  that  the  Hound,  a  British  36  gun 
Frigate  ran  on  shore  at  Cape  Bersue,  [  ?]  and  is  lost.  I  havent  shed 
a  tear  on  this  acc't  and  I  don't  believe  I  should  if  half  .their  fleet 
was  as  safely  moored. 

The  Chatham,  a  new  50  gun  ship  is  cruising  in  our  Bay  and  no 
doubt  will  do  us  much  damage. 

The  arrival  of  the  Frigate's  Alliance  and  Dean  may  be  looked 
upon  as  a  fortunate  event.  I  think  we  are  acting  a  very  stupid  part 
in  retaining  the  lands  belonging  to  the  estate.  They  might  be  sold 
for  large  amounts  now,  and  if  you  don't  want  the  money  it  might  be 
laid  out  in  Government  securities  wh'  might  be  purchased  at  x/s 
their  value,  and  upon  a  peace  they  no  doubt  would  rise  greatly. 
You  would  I  think  do  well  to  insist  on  it. 

Jo.  wants  a  little  spurring  in  this  matter.  I  have  turned  it  to  him 
and  there  are  difficulties  he  says  in  the  way.  Well,  if  there  are,  they 
might  be  removed  for  the  present  opportunity  if  lost  cannot  be  re- 
gained. 

Sally  is  well  and  joins  in  love  to  you.* 

I  am  Your  friend,  &c, 

Jos.  Barrell. 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  373. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  401 

FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    HUNTINGTON. 

Wethd  ,  3d  June,  'S2. 
Dear  Webb  : 

This  will  be  handed  you  by  Richard  and  will  serve  to  acknowledge 
yours  by  Cummings,  a  lad  mustered  out  in  Camp  after  I  had  re- 
ceipted for  him,  I  am  very  sorry  the  Lad  was  mustered  out  in  Camp, 
as  I  firmly  believe  him  Competent  to  the  duties  of  a  soldier  &  have 
receipted  him  accordingly,  &  the  Class  will  be  excused  during  the 
three  Years  for  which  he  enlisted,  &  very  justly  in  my  opinion — The 
Size  Established  for  recruits  will  exclude  many  who  have  already 
served  three  years  in  the  Continental  Army  and  are  fully  Capable  of 
doing  Soldiers  duty  as  those  five  feet  &  Six  inches  high,  the  Sending 
such  men  back  discourages  Recruiting  &  puts  the  Characters  of 
Mustering  Officers  in  the  Country  in  a  very  Contempible  point  of 
View — If  those  Officers  sent  on  that  business  are  unworthy  of  the 
Confidence  reposed  in  them  let  them  be  recalled  &  censured  as  un  • 
worthy  servants,  let  them  make  the  first  example  of  me,  I  will  not 
Complain ;  the  mode  adopted  for  filling  the  Regiments  will  be  in- 
competent at  best  but  much  more  so  upon  the  Rules  of  Measuring, 
as  nearly  |*s  of  the  Men  obliged  by  law  to  do  Military  Duty  are 
under  that  size,  it  is  in  vain  to  make  an  attempt  to  fix  Certain  Rules, 
as  no  good  can  arise — I  can  say  without  boasting  I  am  as  proper  a 
Judge  of  a  Man  for  a  Soldier  as  those  who  muster  after  me,  I  shall 
take  Cummings  to  Camp  with  me  &  make  another  attempt  to  intro- 
duce him,  I  should  be  willing  to  Command  such  men  &  feel  no 
doubts  as  to  his  Ability — The  Assembly  are  displeased  that  you 
should  send  Officers  into  the  Country  to  muster  the  Recruits  &  that 
you  should  put  so  little  Confidence  in. them,  as  to  muster  them  over 
again,  but  as  I  conceive  the  Letter  from  Col?  [Thomas]  Grosvenor 
giving  an  account  of  the  size  to  be  binding  on  me  &  the  other  Offi- 
cers to  whom  I  have  Communicated  them,  shall  obey  them  &  in 
Compliance  therewith  several  have  been  mustered  out  who  have  had 
a  regular  discharge  after  serving  three  Years,  which  has  given  great 
&  just  uneasiness  to  the  people — 

Kellogg  will  go  on  with  the  Waggon  but  in  no  measure  fit  for  duty, 
Sergeant  [Francis]  Nicholson  I  saw  two  days  since,  he  is  very  thin 
&  feeble  I  advised  him  to  get  to  Camp  as  soon  as  he  Could,  tho  I 
am  sensible  he  is  not  at  present  fit — I  had  a  line  from  Winchel  yes- 


402         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

terday  informing  me  of  his  situation,  I  have  directed  him  to  come  in 
&  see  me,  if  he's  able  I  shall  send  him  on — I  think  as  fast  as  a  Serj 
arrives  in  Camp  with  a  party  he  ought  to  be  sent  back  or  another  in 
his  place  as  they  are  extremely  essential  at  the  Rendez-vous  and  to 
take  charge  of  the  Recruits  on  their  March. 

Pratt  Called  on  me  about  the  Drums  &  Mr.  Pomroy  has  furnished 
him  with  an  order  for  them,  in  which  he  promises  payment  to  the 
man  when  he  is  able,  but  whether  it  will  answer  I  am  in  doubt. 
Col?  Durkee  died  last  Week  on  Wednesday,*  possibly  you  may  not 
have  heard  of  it — last  Thursday  we  Celebrated  the  Birth  of  the 
Dauphin  of  France  in  a  pretty  Clever  way,  after  a  feu  de  Joy  & 
Salute  we  made  ourselves  decently  merry  &  had  a  pretty  Collection 
in  the  Eve?  at  Bull's,  your  Brother  Jos.  &  Myself  got  home  to  Break- 
fast— If  in  my  power  to  obtain  shall  inclose  you  some  papers  & 
possibly  make  an  addition  which  you  have  no  Reason  to  expect 
Considering  the  Prolexity  of  this,  nor  have  you  any  reason  to  wish  it 
— Col?  Cary  &  Lady,  Miss  Brasher  &  Grand  Son  Cornelius  are  at 
your  house,  I  can't  say  M*s  Bancker  is  Well  but  is  moving,  she  suffers 
Melancholly  to  take  too  great  hold  of  her,  I  fear  the  Consequences 
unless  she  gets  the  better  of  it  soon,  it  preys  on  her  Constitution  and 
will  prove  the  Consumption,  the  rest  of  our  Circle  are  as  usual — 
must  request  you  to  give  my  Compliments  to  Col?  Swift  &  the  Gen- 
tlemen of  the  line,  &  to  the  Gentlemen  of  the  3?  in  particular. — Our 
Assembly  have  granted  the  5  p*  Cent  impost  requested  by  Congress 
with  several  Reservations  as  to  the  application  of  the  monies  arising 
thereon,  among  the  rest  that  none  be  applied  to  the  payment  of  half 
pay  Officers,  they  have  a  great  Spleen  against  that  Class  of  Locusts 
as  some  call  them — M*  Aaron  Lopez  the  Jew  was  drowned  last  week 
&  his  horse  in  the  presence  of  his  wife  &  Daughter  very  shockingly — 

Adieu  Adieu 

Eben.  Huntington. 

P.  S.  Will  it  not  be  best  that  the  Mustering  should  be  left  discre- 
tionary with  the  Mustering  Officer  &  those  of  us  disqualified  for  that 
business  be  ordered  to  return  &  answer  for  our  Unfaithfulness  & 
neglect,  as  the  House  of  Assembly  have  directed  the  Governor  to 
write  his  Excellency  on  the  Subject.! 

*29  May,  1782. 

t  From  the  collection  of  Dr.  John  S.  H.  Fogg,  of  Boston. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  403 

FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   ROBERT   HOWE. 

Robinsons,  6th  June,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

General  Washington  dines  with  me  To  morrow  he  is  Exceedingly 
fond  of  salt  fish ;  I  have  some  coming  up  &  tho'  it  will  be  here  in  a 
few  days  it  will  not  be  here  in  time.  If  you  could  conveniently  lend 
me  as  much  Fish  as  would  serve  a  pretty  large  Company  for  Dinner 
Tomorrow  (at  least  for  one  Dish)  it  will  oblige  me  &  shall  in  a  very 
few  days  be  returned  in  as  good  Dam  Fish  as  ever  you  saw.  Excuse 
this  freedom  &  it  will  add  to  the  favour.  Could  you  not  prevail 
upon  some  Body  to  catch  some  Trout  for  me  early  Tomorrow  morn- 
ing.    I  am  Dr.  Sir  with  great  Regard 

your  most  ob*  se4. 

R.  Howe. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT- COLONEL  TRUMBULL. 

Head  Quarters,  13  June,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  General  [Washington]  is  this  day  at  the  Point,  so  I  cannot 
decide  for  his  accepting  your  invitation  any  further  than  'tis  very 
probable  he  will  attend  your  feast  on  that  day,  and  will  doubtless  be 
glad  of  a  good  dinner. 

Myself  you  will  probably  see  if  circumstances  will  admit.  Some 
of  the  family  will,  no  doubt,  attend  the  General — particular,  I  cannot 
determine.     I  am,  yours  most  devotedly 

J[onathan]  Trumbull  [Jr.] 
A.  D.  C. 
N.  B.     General  Lincoln  is  with  us,  and  will  come  with  the  Gen- 
eral if  he  attends  you.* 

♦From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel B.  Webb,  301.  A  second  note 
from  Trumbull  is  printed  on  p.  302  of  the  same  work,  but  with  a  wrong  date.  It 
said:  "The  General  and  lady  return  their  compliments;  they  are  going  tomorrow 
on  a  visit  to  Governor  Clinton  and  lady,  at  Poughkeepsie ;  their  return  is  uncer- 
tain. Should  it  be  the  same  day,  and  Mrs.  Washington  is  not  too  fatigued,  she 
will  be  happy  to  accept  your  invitation. 

"  Enclosed  are  the  replies  to  your  notes  to  Generals  Knox  and  Hand.  Should 
the  General  and  lady  not  be  able  to  attend  you,  'tis  probable  you  may  see  the 
muzzles  of  some  of  the  family." 


4o4         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM    LIEUTENANT- COLONEL   HUNTINGTON. 

Wethd  ,  20th  June,  1782. 
Dear  Webb: 

By  Doctor  Ellis  I  was  favored  with  yours  of  the  io1.11  June  with  one 
enclosed  for  Mr.s  Bancker,  which  I  sent  her  that  Even?  I  rec^1  it.  I 
am  very  unhappy  that  the  recruits  which  have  been  sent  on,  have 
been  so  bad  as  to  have  so  great  a  number  rejected  as  you  mention 
there  has  been  greater  neglect  in  some  of  the  Mustering  Officers  I 
suspect  than  in  myself — since  I  have  introduced  the  Subject  of  Mus- 
ters I  would  wish  to  suggest  one  thing  which  the  Assembly  did  before 
they  Adjourned,  which  was  this,  that  in  all  Instances,  where  any 
Recruits  have  been  Mustered  out  by  the  Mustering  Officer  sent  from 
Camp  for  that  purpose  for  want  of  Size,  they  shall  be  remustered  by 
the  Colonels  of  Militia  Regl.s  &  if  they  shall  appear  to  them  to  be  fit 
for  the  duties  of  a  Soldier  excepting  wanting  size,  they  are  to  be  sent 
into  the  State  Reg1,  or  to  one  of  the  State  Guards  &  the  Class  shall 
be  exempt  from  all  fines  or  other  penalties  arising  from  such  Muster- 
ing out.  the  Consequence  will  be  this,  they  will  be  sent  to  Horse- 
neck,  &  on  any  Requisition  to  this  State  for  Men  that  Reg*  will  be 
ordered  to  Join  the  Line,  in  lieu  of  other  Men,  that  in  fact  they  will 
answer  every  purpose  to  the  State,  as  if  they  joined  the  lines.  Had 
Directions  been  sent  to  the  Mustering  Officers  to  be  more  particular 
in  their  Musters,  &  broke  one  or  two  of  us  who  had  been  neglectful 
in  our  duty,  better  purposes  would  have  been  answered,  as  the 
Assembly  would  have  not  then  taken  it  up,  but  they  took  it  up  with 
such  Spirit,  as  to  have  nearly  a  Vote  for  enabling  the  Colonels  of 
Militia  in  all  Instances  to  Muster  the  Recruits,  &  to  Prohibit  any 
Musters  by  us  in  any  Instances  whatever ;  Since  Receiving  those  In- 
structions I  have  Mustered  out  those  who  have  served  two  Cam- 
paigns in  the  Connecticut  Lines,  &  one  of  them  a  very  good  Lad 
who  was  five  feet  five  Inches  high,  well  made  &  in  my  Opinion  a 
good  Soldier.  By  a  letter  from  Capt?  Williams  to  M*  Burnham,  I 
am  informed  that  you  gave  him  some  Encouragement  for  an  En- 
quiry, if  you  intend  he  shall  have  it  the  sooner  the  better.  By  an 
Agreement  among  the  Commanding  Officers  of  Reg*  last  Winter  it 
will  be  necessary  that  a  Majority  of  them  be  United  in  such  Recom- 
mendation, will  it  not  be  best  to  recommend  Searg*  Maj?  White  at 
the  same  time,  I  only  suggest  the  matter  to  you  to  think  of,  you  will 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  405 

best  Judge  whether  your  Reg*  stands  in  need  of  any  more  officers, 
the  Governor  &  Council  have  filled  the  Vacancies  recommended  last 
Winter  by  Gen1.  Parsons,  have  Given  Grosvenor  the  Command  of 
Durkee's  Regt  &  Promoted  Capt.  Warner  to  be  Major  of  the  same, 
the  other  Vacancies  are  not  filled,  as  Gen1  Huntington  did  not  know 
who  were  entitled  to  Promotion  among  Subalterns,  I  think  in  the 
same  Recommendation  for  filling  of  Vacancies,  that  of  new  Ap- 
pointed Officers  ought  to  be  Subjoined —  I  hear  that  Col?s  Greaton, 
Swift  &  three  other  Col?s  are  Promoted  to  be  Brigadiers,  if  so  it  will 
make  a  Reg1,  vacant  for  L\  Col?  Johnson  &  another  Capt?  to  be 
promoted. 

Your  Brother  Jos  &  Lady,  Sister  Hetty,  Mr.  Merrill  &  Mr.  S. 
Chester  set  out  for  Boston  last  Saturday  by  the  way  of  Norwich, 
where  they  proposed  keeping  the  day  of  our  Lord.  I  expect  to  get 
time  to  be  at  Norwich  a  day  or  two  before  I  go  to  Camp,  but  at 
present  it  is  uncertain. 

The  wafers  you  mention  I  will  endeavor  to  procure  &  bring  to 
Camp  with  me,  which  will  not  be  long  first.  From  the  best  Infor- 
mation I  can  Obtain  from  the  different  Mustering  Officers  &  from 
my  knowledge  of  this  County  I  think  you  may  not  expect  more  than 
500  Men  from  this  State,  as  the  Assembly  have  affixed  a  Penalty  of 
Non-Compliance  to  the  Act  for  filling  up  to  the  Line  of  50  Dollars 
only,  which  is  less  than  had  been  given  in  many  Instances  for 
bountys,  &  when  ever  the  Penalty  is  less  than  the  bounty  to  be 
given,  you  may  rely  on  it  they  will  spare  the  purse  if  they  Damn  the 
Country,  besides,  they  save  themselves  the  trouble  of  looking  for 
Soldiers.  As  the  Women  appear  to  be  more  zealous  for  recruiting 
&  keeping  up  the  Army  than  the  men  I  have  proposed  to  some  of 
my  friends  that  the  Classes  should  have  the  liberty  to  hire  Women, 
&  that  I  will  not  be  so  strict  as  to  their  Measure,  as  I  am  sure  in 
the  present  distressed  Situation  of  the  Armey  a  Court  Martial  could 
not  be  Convened  who  would  Censure  me,  tho  at  same  time  I  would 
recommend  that  tall  Girls  be  procured  that  the  Offspring  may  be 
five  feet  Six  Inches  high.  I  have  tired  your  Patience — &  will  Close 
with  Compliments  to  my  friends  with  you 

Yours  Eben  Huntington.* 

*  On  the  24th  Lieut.  Col.  Smith  wrote  urging  Col.  Webb  to  spend  a  day  with 


4o6        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

TO    MAJOR-GENERAL    HEATH. 

June  29,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

Enclosed  you  have  a  number  of  Certificates  of  the 
expiration  of  the  term  of  enlistment  of  several  of  my 
Soldiers, — I  have  several  more  whose  engagements 
will  be  out  between  this  &  the  25  of  July,  however  as 
they  may  be  of  some  little  service,  I  did  not  think 
proper  to  recommend  them  at  present, — I  will  thank 
you  Sir  to  enclose  me  by  the  Bearer  the  several  Dis- 
charges, some  of  them  will  not  be  due  untill  the  latter 
end  of  next  week,  if  its  your  direction  I  will  keep  the 
Discharges  in  my  hands  untill  the  day  they  are  en- 
tituled  to  them,  tho:  they  are  only  a  trouble  to  the 
Regiment.  I  am  Dear  Sir  with  respect 

Your  Most  obed  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb.* 


FROM   LORD    STIRLING. 

[Fishkill],  July  6th,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  shall  be  obliged  to  you  if  you  will  get  some  person  of  Judgment 
to  examine  the  ground  on  the  west  front  of  the  ground  the  troops 
manuevre'd  on  this  morning,  in  order  to  discover  a  good  Spring  of 
water,  near  a  Convenient  Spot  for  me  to  pitch  my  tent  upon,  and  if 
necessary,  to  order  a  party  to  open  and  improve  the  Spring 

The  behaviour  of  the  troops  this  morning,  has  gained  the  appro- 
bation of  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  all  our  Visitants.  I  now 
send  it  to  Col.  Swift  in  Order  to  be  Communicated. 

With  much  Esteem,  I  am  very  Sincerely  yours  &c 

Stirling. 

him  at  Head  Quarters,  adding:  "The  Gen*  and  his  Lady  with  3  of  the  Buff 
Heroes  are  gone  upon  an  expedition  up  the  River,  not  to  return  in  less  than  10 
Days."     Washington  made  a  visit  to  Albany  and  the  neighboring  posts. 

*  From  the  Heath  Papers  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society.  General 
Heath  returned  the  proper  discharges,  and  approved  Colonel  Webb's  resolution. 


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SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  407 

TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Wethersfield,  Sunday  Morn?,  4*h  Aug1.   1782 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  have  lone*  intended  to  have  devoted  a  leisure  hour 
or  two  to  you,  in  answering  your  several  friendly 
epistles,  but  want  of  conveyance  at  one  time  and 
leisure  at  others  has  deprived  me  of  that  pleasure, — 
and  sorry  I  am  now  to  tell  you  this  will  only  be  an 
apology  for  a  letter.  Mr.  Craik*  the  bearer  (Son  to 
the  Physician-General  of  the  Army)  sets  out  imme- 
diately for  Boston,  he  has  been  in  a  bad  state  of 
Health  and  is  travelling  to  the  Eastward  in  hopes  of 
reaping  benefit  from  the  change  of  Air,  for  the  sake  of 
his  good  Father  as  well  as  on  his  own  account  I  will 
thank  you  to  notice  the  Youth  while  in  Boston. — I 
have  been  home  about  Ten  days,  and  set  of  again  to- 
morrow morning  for  Camp — my  Health  the  former 
part  of  the  summer  was  much  impaired,  but  at  present 
think  myself  better,  while  in  Camp  I  was  member  of  a 
General  Court  Martial  for  the  tryal  of  Major  General 
McDougall  from  the  15th  of  April  untill  the  2 2d  of 
July,  I  mention  this  by  way  of  apology  for  my  long 
silence,  and  at  the  same  time  do  assure  you  in  future 
you  shall  hear  from  me  more  frequent, — what  the 
operations  of  this  Season  will  be  is  yet  very  uncertain, 
the  french  Army  is  near  at  hand  and  ours  is  to  move 
down  to  the  White  Plains  this  or  the  next  week,  if  a 
Fleet  comes  New  York  will  be  our  object. — I  hope  to< 
be  early  in  Winter  quarters,  when  if  nothing  material, 
happens  I  intend  with  Mrs.  Bancker  to  pass   a  few 

*  George  Washington  Craik,  son  of  Doctor  James  Craik. 


4oS        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

days  with  you  in  Boston, — good  woman  she  yet  feels 
very  sensibly  our  too  heavy  affliction, — the  subject 
will  ever  be  painfull  to  me, — my  loss  is  irrepareable, 
nor  do  I  ever  expect  to  see  that  happiness  on  Earth  I 
have  once  experienced, — tell  my  good  Sister  Sally  I 
receiv^  her  letter  in  Camp  and  will  the  first  leisure 
write  her.  at  present  time  will  not  permit,  remember 
me  to  Hetty  I  think  she  might  inform  us  how  her 
health  is,  I  wish  much  to  see  you  all,  Brother  Joe:  is 
gone  with  a  flag  into  New  York,  Br.  Jack  march' d  three 
days  since  for  Camp,  the  rest  of  the  circle  desire  their 
Love  to  you  all.  Mr.  Craik's  hurry  obliges  me  to 
close,  after  assureing  You  that  I  am  with  sincerity 
your  Affectionate  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

I  shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  you  when  your  leisure 
will  permit, — the  Jason  is  safe  arrived  at  New  London, 
Capt.  Riley  was  taken  on  his  homeward  bound  pas- 
sage and  carried  into  Bermuda,  from  there  he  has 
returned  in  a  flag.     My  Comp1?  to  Col°  Carey. 


FROM   MR.   JACKSON.* 

Tallers,  August  19th,  1782. 
Dear  Sir; 

Lord  Stirling's  servants  are  all  sick,  &  have  been  for  some  time — 
He  desires  me  to  request  of  you  the  favor  of  a  careful  trusty  non- 
commissioned Officer  or  Soldier,  for  a  few  weeks,  who  is  capable  of 
provideing  for  a  Table  that  would  admit  a  few  Friends,  &  who  may 
be  entrusted  with  those  Little  concerns,  though  not  important  are 
very  essential  to  happy  existence.  His  Lordship  ask's  it  as  a  favor 
in  you  to  send  him  such  a  Man,  either  from  your  Regiment  or  from 
the  Brigade  you  Command. 

*  Aid-de-camp  to  Lord  Stirling. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  409 

Your  Horse  is  in  very  fine  order  &  in  pasture  with  our  Horses,  he 
can  remain  with  them  as  long  as  you  please. 

I  am  with  great  Respect,  Sir  Your  Most  Humble  Servant 

Tho?  Fred?  Jackson. 


FROM    CAPTAIN  JOHN   WEBB. 

New  Town,  21st  August,  1782. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  am  happy  in  having  it  in  my  power  to  contradict  the  news  you 
had  by  Major  Warner — My  BT.  the  same  day  Major  W —  left  Middle- 
town  arriv'd  home — there  was  nothing  on  board  the  Flagg  except 
two  bundles  for  M\  John  Smith  from  Mr.  McCormick — except  a  few 
Maggazeens  &  few  other  Books  sent  to  Mr.  W[ebb]  from  our  Friends 
in  New  York — also  some  trifles  sent  by  your  friend  Mr.  [Miles] 
Sherbrook  to  the  Children — This  shows  us  how  happy  our  Enemy 
are  to  ketch  at  any  thing  to  injure  our  Characters — tho'  they  are 
contemptible  and  unworthy  of  our  notice — I  think  (As  there  has 
been  so  much  said  about  the  matter)  that  he  had  better  publish 
something  in  the  Paper  in  Vindication  of  his  Character — you  had 
better  write  him  on  this  Subject — I  have  the  particulars  from  Lieut 
Col?  Jameson,  who  had  them  from  M*  John  Smith,  which  place  left 
yesterday  at  12  ?  Clock — I  have  wrote  you  one  or  two  letters  since 
you  left  this,  which  I  wish  you  would  answer  if  possible  by  the  first 
opportunity.  I  have  not  been  able  to  hear  anything  about  your 
Pistols — please  to  remember  me  to  all  Friends,  and  believe  me  to  be 
yours  Affectionately  J[ohn]  W[ebb] 

My  Bi:  left  Wethersfield  the  Next  Morning  after  he  arriv'd  home, 
for  Lebanon  at  which  time,  the  Flagg  was  detain'd  at  Saybrook. 


FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

23  August,  1782. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  find  your  Regard  so  great  for  my  Honor 

&  Welfare  &  I  might  answer  further  my  Interest.     As  to  the  Seizure 

of  the  Flag  at  Saybrook  it's  as  rascaly  affair  as  you  have  possibly  ever 

heard  of — I  arrived  there  in  a  run  of  about  Twenty  hours — Got  a 

Ground  on  Saybrook  bar  lay  there  about  three  hours,  about  Ten 


4io        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Minutes  after  I  got  off — we  were  boarded  by  a  whale  Boat  com- 
manded by  a  Certain  small-beer  young  Quack  doctr  Fields — who 
said  he  had  heard  of  our  Flag,  that  she  was  loaded  with  British 
Goods.  He  had  been  cruiseing  for  her  Ten  Days.  I  told  him  that 
it  was  an  entire  mistake  as  I  could  convince  him — (without  hesita- 
tion, after  asking  him  to  shew  his  Commission  which  was  signed  by 
Colo  McClanan*  commanding  New  London  Forts  by  Authority  from 
His  Excellency) — I  shew'd  him  my  trunk  &  the  trifles,  supposeing 
them  of  no  consequence — nothing  like  Merchandize — (but  pres- 
ents of  trifles  sent  out  to  distressd  Inhabitants) — without  trade  or 
Barter  or  the  cost  of  any  Cash  on  our  Side — I  enclose  you  a  List  for 
your  satisfaction — I  know  not  what  the  Law  will  do — but  I  find 
Everybody  this  way  my  Friend,  &  they  think  I  am  cruely  used,  after 
fatigueing  my  self  almost  to  Death  &  run  the  risk  of  my  Life  in  Vis- 
iting Hospitals,  Provost,  &c,  &  to  bring  out  Sixty  Navy  Prisoners. 

I  wish  I  had  more  time  to  Write  you — but  as  I  know  you  must  be 
anxious  I  write  you  this — I  wish  to  know  your  Sentiments — can  the 
Vessel  be  liable — I  should  think  the  Vessel  might  be  Clear'd  In- 
stantly, but  possibly  the  Goods  may  be  lost — I  have  waited  on  the 
Gov1:  &  Council  but  they  have  no  power — The  Govern1:  is  hurt  be- 
yond description,  thinks  He's  abused,  that  damages  ought  to  be 
recov'd  of  them  for  hindering  the  Sick  people  &  Flag  comeing  to 
their  destin'd  port  of  Mid[dletown]  or  Wethersfield.  The  Vessel  is 
stript  &  laid  up  by  those  rascals  at  Saybrook,  the  Sick  sent  home  in 
Boats  those  not  well  enough  to  be  sent  up  in  open  Boats,  put  ashore 
to  Die  or  Live  at  Saybrook — Thus  remains  the  affair  at  present,  I 
will  Soon  Write  you  again — the  Saybrook  Point  people  are  deter- 
mined if  possible  to  condemn  the  articles  &  Vessel — do  Write  me 
fully — when  The  people  come  fairly  to  understand  it,  I  am  clear'd  & 
thank't — but  the  Robbers  &  pirates  condem'd — let  the  Vessel  & 
Cargo  be  lost  &  I  can't  be  blamed  by  my  Friends — I  have  realy  been 
extremely  cautious  &  prudent.  As  I  have  said  above  I  tho1.  no  one 
coud  find  Fault  with  my  conduct — I  own  to  you  the  Jaunt  has  cost 

♦Probably  Samuel  McLellan  of  the  Connecticut  militia.  In  1775  he  entered 
the  service  from  Woodstock  as  Major;  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  in  De- 
cember, 1776,  and  to  Colonel  in  January,  1779.  He  served  in  Tyler's  brigade, 
under  Sullivan,  in  Rhode  Island,  1778,  and  after  Arnold's  raid,  was  placed  in  the 
New  London  forts,  with  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  militia. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  411 

me  more  pain,  Anxiety,  trouble  &  Vexation,  &  even  danger  of  Health 
than  I  can  paint  to  you — yet  had  I  got  home  well,  I  can't  but  say  I 
met  with  many  civilities  &  enjoyed  much  Satisfaction,  &c — and  upon 
ballanceing  the  Acco*  I  shou'd  not  have  Repented  the  Journy,  for 
the  reflection  of  helping  so  many  Prisoners  is  great — but  take  this 
with  all  that  these  Saybrook  point  maroon  Cttrser's  are  the  least  of 
Gods  Mercies,  &  if  possible  will  do  me  all  the  damage  in  their  power 
&  Condemn  &  make  as  much  Noise  as  they  can — I  wish  you  to  set 
the  affair  to  rights  amongst  those  that  wish  us  well — Write  me  fully 
on  the  Subject — with  your  Advice  &  Assistance. 

I  am  Dear  Bro  Yrs  Sincerely 

J[oseph]  W[ebb.] 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you  that  the  Assembly  have  always 
Given  even  to  Tories  more  than  I  had  in  the  Vessel — is  this  Cruel 
treatment  to  be  put  up  with?  not  a  Vessel  arrives  but  what  brings 
more  Even  from  the  West  Indies — is  every  Whale  Boat  to  search  all 
Vessels  from  Sea  that  may  have  three  British  trifles  &  condemn 
Vessel  &  Cargo — is  this  the  intent  &  meaning  of  the  Law?  shurly 
No — Yet  what  can  we  depend  on  in  such  distracted  Times  as  these  ? 
I  find  no  body  this  ways  seems  to  be  acquainted  with  the  Nature  of 
flags — how  do  they  conduct  with  Seizures  at  Elizabeth  Town — sup- 
pose a  king's  flag — She  Cant  be  liable  :  tho  the  Goods  may  I  should 
think.  How  do  they  practice — will  not  Damages  lie  ags*  these 
pirates  for  detaining  the  Flag  from  going  to  her  Destin'd  Port  of 
Midd*  — in  short  make  yourself  easy ;  the  loss  is  cruel  even  shou'd  I 
finely  loose,  but  yet  not  so  as  break  us  of  one  hours  Sleep.  I  have 
the  satisfaction  to  think  I  can  paint  it  in  such  a  light  Every  one  will 
be  hurt — &  think  I  am  treated  beyond  Everything  bad — &  the  Con- 
sequences Serious  to  the  public ;  for  who  will  again  go  their  flag — 
provided  2  British  trifles  secreted  may  Condemn  them  ?  after  ap- 
prizing poor  John  Smith ;  *  Hazard  |  &  in  short  Every  thing  by 
presents  &c  belong?  to  everybody — they  make  ^15  7 — in  which  is 
included  Medicins  for  the  Sick — &  a  Suit  of  Clothes  for  me — I  am 
Just  going  off  to  New  London — &  Cant  add  only  I  am  wishing  for 

*  John  Smith  is  described  as  a  refugee,  "  burnt  out  of  a  large  property." 
t  Richard  J.  Hazard,  "  a  hearty  Whig,"  who  had  served  long  in  the  Continental 
army. 


4i2         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

knowledge  how  to  Conduct  &  Your  Sentiments  how  far  Flaggs  are 
Sacred,  &c  &c  &c. 

Adieu  says  your  afft. 
[Joseph  Webb]. 


TO    COLONEL    TIMOTHY    PICKERING. 

Lt.  Infantry  Camp,  Peeks-Kill,  26^  Aug.,  '82. 
Sir: 

The  Commander  in  Chief  has  directed  Me  to  apply 
to  you  for  Waggons — and  other  Matters  which  may  be 
wanted  for  the  Corps  of  U.  Infantry — with  which  I  am 
to  request  we  may  be  furnished  with  all  possible  Dis- 
patch,— we  cannot  do  with  less  than  two  Covered 
Waggons  and  Three  teams  to  a  Regiment, — one  Cov- 
ered Waggon  and  Two  Teams  to  the  Battalion  formed 
from  the  York  &  Jersey  Line — making  in  the  whole 
Five  covered  Waggons  and  Eight  Teams  proper  for 
transporting  the  Tents ; — it  will  be  impossible  to  do 
with  less  than  the  number  mentioned,  unless  we  over- 
load them.  The  Quarter  Master  of  the  Reg1,  waits  on 
you  he  has  a  list  of  other  Articles  which  are  wanted — 
he  accepts  the  birth  on  condition  he  can  have  a  Horse 
&  Tent  from  the  Public, — I  can  get  none  to  accept  on 
any  other  conditions, — A  Quarter  Master  to  the  Bri- 
gade is  hourly  wanted,  I  am  directed  by  His  Excellency 
to  apply  to  you  for  one, 

I  am  Sir  Your  Most  Obe^  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb  Col0!  Commds 

Light  Infantry. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  413 

FROM    COLONEL   TIMOTHY   PICKERING. 

New  Windsor,  Aug  27th,  1782. 
Sir: 

I  have  received  your  favor  of  yesterday.  I  shall  see  the  Genl 
this  morning  &  know  whether  a  full  complement  of  waggons  is  to  be 
allowed  the  Infantry,  if  he  answers  in  the  affirmative,  you  shall  be 
furnished  in  the  best  manner  our  circumstances  will  admit :  tho'  I 
see  no  prospect  of  giving  you  more  than  one  covered  Waggon  for 
the  spare  ammunition. 

Such  articles  as  are  in  Store  will  be  furnished — camp  Kettles  as 
soon  as  a  farther  supply  arrives,  which  ought  to  be  this  week. 

The  Adj*.  &  quarter  master  of  each  Reg1:  must  live  together  in  one 
Tent.     I  will  give  them  horses  while  they  hold  those  offices. 

Considering  that  the  separate  service  of  the  light  infantry,  will  be 
but  of  short  duration,  and  that  no  active  service  is  expected,  I 
wish  to  avoid  as  far  as  possible  an  accumulation  of  expense,  as  I  am 
unable  to  obtain  what  is  necessary  to  satisfy  demands  that  are  in- 
dispensable. 

If  a  brigade  quarter  master  be  appointed,  he  must  have  a  horse, 
saddle  and  bridle,  and  camp  equipage.  Can  not  the  regimental 
quarter  Master  do  each  for  himself,  or  by  turns  for  the  brigade,  what 
would  otherwise  be  required  of  the  brigade  quarter  Master?  Be 
pleased  to  think  of  this  and  favour  me  with  an  answer. 

I  am  Sir  Your  Most  Ob1.  Ser1. 

Tim.  Pickering 

Q.  M.  G. 


FROM    COLONEL    STEWART. 

V.  P.  Point,  Sept.  3,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  York  &  Jersey  Infantry  Companys  not  having  been  Inspected 
for  the  Month  of  July,  I  must  request  you  would  Issue  an  Order  for 
their  being  ready  on  the  5*h  Inst,  &  on  the  13^  of  this  month  the 
whole  Corps  will  be  Inspected ;  when  I  presume  the  Commr  in 
Chief,  &ca,  will  be  present.     The  rolls  for  the  York  &  Jersey  Compys 


4i4         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

I  now  send,  &  shall  in  a  day  or  two  forward  a  suffy  for  the  whole  for 
the  month  of  August.     8  o'clock  will  be  the  hour  on  the  $*}* 

I  am  yr.s  sincerely 

W.  Stewart 
Col?  I.  N.  Army. 


TO    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

LT  Infantry  Camp,  4?1  Sept1:  ,  1782. 
Immediately  after  your  Excellency's  orders  of  the 
21s*  of  August  organizing  the  Battalions  and  Reg1? 
which  composed  the  Corps  of  Light-Infantry,  we  as- 
sembled on  the  Heights  of  Peeks-Kill, — by  the  unani- 
mous Voice  of  the  Field  Officers  then  present,  we 
posted  the  eldest  Captain  of  a  Battalion  on  the  right, 
the  Second  on  the  Left,  &  so  on  agreeable  to  their 
Rank,  having  no  reference  to  the  States  or  Regiments 
from  which  the  Companies  were  detached — this  Mode 
was  in  our  opinion  the  only  consistent  one,  no  other 
would  have  given  satisfaction.  The  York  and  Jersey 
Battalion  had  before  their  joining  us  proceeded  on  the 
same  principle, — Capt.  Blicker  of  the  N  York  Line 
being  eldest  has  the  right,  the  second  New  York  the 
Left  the  two  Jersey  Companies  the  Centre. — on  their 
arrival  the  Brigade  was  form'd  agreeable  to  the  above 
principle, — my  Regiment  on  the  right  Col°  Jacksons 
Regiment  on  the  Left  and  Major  Formans  Battalion  in 
the  Centre. — Some  days  since  I  found  an  uneasiness 
existed  among  some  of  the  officers  of  Major  Forman's 
Battalion,  that  they  were  not  on  the  Right,  claiming  it 
(against  every  other  principle  on  which  they  had 
formed  their  Battalion)  upon  the  Geographical  plan  of 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  415 

encamping, — I  have  promised  Major  Forman  to  lay 
the  matter  before  your  Excellency,  but  told  him  unless 
I  received  your  positive  orders  I  could  not  think  of 
altering  his  position,  as  it  was  against  every  rule  laid 
down  in  the  regulations,  for  a  Major  Commanding  a 
detached  Battalion,  to  take  the  right  of  Colonels  Com- 
manding Regiments.  Your  Excellency's  sentiments 
may  prevent  much  uneasiness. 

We  are  at  present  obliged  to  draw  our  provision 
from  Stony-point,  by  draughts  of  two  days,  the  Com- 
missary will  not  Issue  it  until  the  day  the  provision  is 
due,  and  then  frequently  at  the  close  of  it — by  this 
means  we  are  out  of  Provision  from  the  middle  of  the 
Second  to  the  close  of  the  Third  day,  which  causes  un- 
easiness among  the  Troops, — and  Might  in  case  of  a 
Sudden  Movement  be  injurious  to  the  service, — If  Mr. 
Sands  would  order  the  cattle  to  be  drove  near  us,  the 
Flour  might  be  transported  by  water  which  would 
remedy  the  Evil  complained  of. 

The  Companies  of  Infantry  being  detached  from  dif- 
ferent Regiments,  we  have  requested  Due  Bills  to  be 
given  by  Companies  to  prevent  trouble  and  Confusion 
when  the  Infantry  are  disbanded, — this  is  refused  by 
the  Issuing  Commissary. 

With  respect  &  esteem  I  am  Your  Excellency's 
Most  obed*.  Hume  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

Armourers  wanting. 


4i 6        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

FROM   EDWARD    HAND. 

Camp  Verplanks  Point 
6  September,  1782. 

Dear  Sir  : 

By  direction  of  the  Commander-in-chief  I  send  you  two  of  the 
L*  Infantry  Standards,  one  for  the  use  of  your  own  and  the  other  for 
Col.  Jackson's  Reg1. 

I  am  very  sincerely  yours 

Edw?  Hand 
A.  Genl 


FROM   MAJOR   DAVID    SMITH. 

Quarters,  near  Pinesbridge,  Sept  .  7th,  1782. 
Dear  Colonel : 

Lieu4.  Mansfield  return?  last  evening  from  a  tour  down  towards 
Kingsbridge — he  lay  one  day  within  two  Miles  of  the  Bridge,  con- 
ceal? his  party  with  a  View  of  intercepting  some  of  the  Enemy's 
small  parties,  but  could  not  get  sight  of  them. 

By  an  inhabitant  which  he  took  up  he  was  inform? ,  that  the 
Enemy  were  seldom  on  this  side  the  Bridge,  and  then  in  parties  of 
three  or  four  hun?  strong — That  the  inhabitants  and  Army  were 
much  distress?  for  water,  the  drouth  being  very  severe  there — A  new 
Camp  was  forming  on  the  heights  south  of  Harleam  plain,  extending 
from  River  to  River — The  paper  of  the  4*  inst  is  the  only  one  I 
have  been  able  to  obtain 

I  am  dear,  Col?  Your  very  humble  Serv* 

D.  Smith.* 

*In  1775,  David  Smith,  of  Waterbury,  was  an  ensign  in  the  8th  company  of 
Colonel  David  Wooster's  Connecticut  regiment.  In  April,  1776,  he  was  made  a 
Captain  and  given  a  company  in  Colonel  Elmore's  regiment,  doing  service  at 
Burnetsfield,  German  Flats.  At  Valley  Forge  he  acted  as  sub-inspector  of  Var- 
num's  brigade,  promoted  to  Major  in  March,  1778,  in  the  5th  Connecticut  regi- 
ment, and  served  as  sub-inspector  of  the  1st  Connecticut  Brigade  to  July,  1781. 
In  1782  he  was  attached  to  the  Light  Infantry  under  Colonel  Webb. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  417 

FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Wethersfield,  14  September,  1782* 
Dear  Brother  : 

I  have  your's  before  me — I  am  sensible  our  Enemies  may  for  an 
hour  or  two  be  pleased  with  the  late  attack  upon  me — but  it's  im- 
possible that  a  good  feeling  mind  can  long  retain  even  a  thought 
that  I  was  imprudent — unless  they  ungenerously  Judge  by  Events.. 

The  Gov*  &  all  ranks  of  people  pity  &  say  I  am  cruely  used — 
What  the  Law  will  do  is  uncertain — Thursday  fortnight  will  most 
likely  determine — I  have  long  since  found  out  that  Lt  Col  H[unt 
ington]  not  too  much  our  Friend — yet  it's  not  of  the  worst  kind— 
it  rather  rises  from  his  pride  &  ambition  of  wishing  to  Command 
equal  to  you — He  thinks  quite  enough  of  Himself  as  a  Gentn  or  a 
Soldier — I  will  write  you  when  I  may  have  more  leisure — The  par- 
ticulars of  the  Seizure  of  the  jfersey — it  strikes  me  as  a  thing  out  of 
all  rules  of  Laws  of  Nations  that  Flags  shou'd  be  trifled  with — I 
shall  dispute  them  Inch  by  Inch.  Barny  [Deane]  has  moved  to 
Hartford  &  behaves  friendly  &  Clever — He  has  lately  met  with  a 
Heavy  loss  of  a  fine  Sloop  Cap*  Neason  bound  to  the  Havana — 
taken  by  a  British  Frigate  &  Carried  into  Jamacia — Cap1.  Charles 
Bulkley  in  a  14-Gun  Frig*  from  New  London  (in  the  Employ  of 
Rogers  Hurlburt  Gelson  &  the  Refugees  living  at  Haddam — has 
been  fortunate  Enough  to  take  a  Ship,  Brig  &  Schooner,  loaded  with 
Rum,  Sugar  &  Coffee  from  Jamacia — Total  Will  be  Equal  to  ab* 
100  HEP?  Jam*  Sugar — it  makes  N.  London  lively  &  Clever — I  wish 
you  would  write  me  fully  what  my  Friends  &  Enemies  say  on  the 
Subject  of  the  Flag — do  collect  what  you  Can  to  help  the  Cause — I 
do  not  believe  even  in  the  Jersies  they  take  the  Vessel — they  must 
be  too  sacred  (?) — I  have  wrote  the  above  on  a  full  Gallop — may 
Heaven  bless  you,  says  all  your  Friends  &  Connections  this  way — 
do  Write  me  directly  on  the  Rec1.  of  this  &  continue  to  untill  I  have 

more  leisure.     As  to  M debt — it  has  long  been  paid  into  abl  ^10 

— would  you  wish  me  to  move  half  the  old  Barn  on  Deane's  Lott. 

Yrs  Sincerely 

[Joseph  Webb]. 

Hetty  is  geting  well 


4i 8        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

JOSEPH   WEBB   TO    GOVERNOR  TRUMBULL. 

Wethersfield,  17  September,  1782. 
Sir: 

After  I  left  Lebanon  I  went  to  New  London, —  &  found  The 
Whale  Boatmen  there,  Ready  for  the  trial — but  I  thought  it  prudent 
to  have  it  put  offuntill  I  had  M*  Elsworth — I  think  your  Excellency 
feels  for  me,  I  am  ill  used ;  I  am  hurt — The  Sacredness  of  the  Flag 
is  not  violated  on  my  side — but  much  so  on  theirs — I  have  been  a 
most  faithful  Servant  in  this  last  Voyage  to  New  York  to  the  State  of 
Connecticut — I  have  deserved  better  treatment  than  I  have  met 
with — The  late  Law  was  made  while  I  was  gone  to  Boston,  I  never 
heard  of  it,  untill  the  Seizure — but  yet  I  can't  even  think  I  have  of- 
fended the  meaning  of  even  the  last  Law — as  Colo  M?  Clanan  has 
sent  you  an  Extract  from  one  Josiah  Smith  a  bad  fellow — which  I 
give  you  my  word  is  a  bad  fellow — ,  I  take  the  Liberty  to  enclose 
your  Excellency,  Copies  of  one  or  Two  Evidences  open'd  in  Court 
unknown  to  me — I  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you  The  Friends, — in- 
deed I  may  say  all  ranks  of  people  in  Hartford  Weth?  Mid1,  think 
me  injur'd — is  it  possible  that  your  Flag  shou'd  be  thus  treated  ? — 
am  I  thus  to  be  abused  ill  treated  &  no  remedy. — the  Expense  is 
great — This  is  the  7*  Time  I  have  been  into  York,  if  I  have  not 
done  to  your  acceptance — if  I  have  not  done  well,  pray  Write  me 
so — blame  me  fully  without  reserve — let  me  urge  your  Excellency  to 

Write  me  on  the  Subject as  for.  MT.  Halsey — .     He  has  taken 

up  against  me  altho  :  I  Wrote  him  Two  Letters  on  my  first  getting 
home — He  possibly  will  say  He  was  first  Engaged  on  the  other  side, 
I  may  think  for  myself.  The  Court  is  adjourned  to  the  25^  Ins1, 
at  Norwich — What  said  M*  Hill — h — [Hillhouse?]  to  Your  Excel- 
lency when  He  last  saw  you? — it  will  not  bear  reflection,  I  am 
unjustly  treated. — can  it  be  the  Spirit  of  the  Law?  No  .writs  im- 
possible— the  Letter  of  the  Law  will  condemn  any  &  Everything — 
what  said  Halsey — ?  but  why  shou'd  I  trouble  your  Excellency — I 
feel  too  susceptably — my  innocent  Character  handled — &  my  pro- 
perty by  a  set  of  Robber's — they  say  with  a  Commission — cool  Re- 
flection will  see  how  deeply  I  am  wounded 

has  not  our  family  sacrifis'd  Enough?  have  we  not  taken  a  warm 
decided  part  ? — did  I  go  on  to  York  to  please  my  self  or  to  please  a 
Number  of  people  of  all  Ranks ;  but  more  particular  the  friends  of 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  419 

the  distressed  American  Prisoner — I  have  only  to  say  I  am  sensible 

of  Col?  W™  Williams,  &  your  politeness — &  that  I  wish  for  a  line 

from  you — &  that  I  am  with  Complim1.5 

Yr  Most  Ob  H  Sev*. 

J.  Webb 
I  find  on  Examination  including  my  Clothes,  &  all  the  Articles 

realy  trifling 

I  suppose  y\  Excellency  well  remembers  the  List — 

is  our  Government  so  wanting  of  power  as  to  give  a  Subject  all 

this  unjust  trouble —  ?* 


FROM    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters,  Septr  24th  1782. 
Sir: 

You  will  cause  two  days  provision  to  be  drawn  &  cooked  for  the 
Light  Infantry  by  tomorrow  night ;  and  hold  that  Corps  in  perfect 
readiness  to  march  at  day  break  on  friday  Morning  next.  You  will 
select  a  sufficient  number  of  Men  least  capable  of  Marching,  or  oth- 
ers, to  take  care  of  your  Camp. 

I  am  Sir  Your  Most  Obed1.  Serv*. 

G?  Washington. 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   HUMPHREYS. 

Head  Quarters,  Septr  26th,  1 782. 
Sir: 

The  Commander  in  Chief  has  directed  me  to  inform  you  he  would 
have  you  commence  the  March  of  the  Light  Infantry  at  Day  break 
tomorrow  Morn?  &  proceed  on  the  route  by  the  River  to  the  Fork 
of  the  Road,  just  above  the  Redoubt  at  Dobb's  Ferry  (where  the 
Sheldon's  Legion  was  quartered  last  Campaign,)  from  whence  you 
will  please  to  detach  one  Battalion  to  the  height  immediately  above 
the  Redoubt  on  the  left  side  of  the  road — this  Battalion  is  to  post 
Sentinels  &  keep  lookouts  on  the  most  advantageous  Places — besides 
these  a  small  scout  is  to  be  sent  down  that  Road  at  least  a  mile. 

*  From  the  Trumbull  Papers  in  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society. 


420        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

With  the  remainder  of  the  Corps  the  General  desires  you  will  pro- 
ceed to  the  Height  near  the  small  House  where  you  begin  to  de- 
scend the  Hill  to  the  Bridge  between  Dobb's  Ferry  &  our  old  En- 
campment, from  thence  Sentinels  are  to  be  kept  out,  &  a  party 
advanced  a  mile  or  more  on  the  Saw  Mill  River  Road — A  Party  is 
also  to  be  sent  along  the  Road  leading  to  the  Camp  occupied  by  the 
French  last  year,  as  far  at  least  as  Lord  Stirling's  Quarters — The 
movement  &  disposition  should  not  be  made  a  matter  of  Notoriety 
beforehand — you  may  expect  to  receive  his  Excellency's  farther 
orders,  at  your  positions — 

With  great  respect  and  esteem 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  &? 

D.  Humphreys 
Aid  de  Camp. 


TO    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Light  Infantry  Camp,  October  i**,  1782. 

On  my  March  from  Dobbs'  ferry  I  fell  in  with  five 
or  Six  Non  commissioned  officers  and  several  Privates 
who  had  gone  down  in  a  Boat  from  Verplanks  Point 
and  landed  near  Tarry-town, — on  examination  found 
they  had  a  pass  from  Lieu1.  Col.  Sherman  to  go  into 
the  Country  and  return  at  Evening  roll  call, — these 
parties  have  an  opportunity  of  plundering  the  Inhabi- 
tants or  deserting  to  the  Enemy — it  being  [a]  practice 
which  I  conceive  dangerous  and  unmilitary  has  induced 
me  to  report  it. 

With  Esteem  I  have  the  honor  to  be  Your  Excel- 
lency's Most  Obed1.  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


SAMUEL  BLA  CHLE  Y  WEBB.  42 1 

FROM   JOSEPH   WEBB. 

Oct?  1,  1782. 
My  dear  Brother  : 

I  snatch  a  moment  to  acquaint  you  that  I  had  the  Vessel  Clear'd 
without  much  difficulty — it  was  tried  at  Norwich  Meeting  House 
took  up  part  of  Two  days — the  Small  presents  given  Mrs.  Webb  & 
some  others  were  Condem'd  unexpectedly  to  every  one.  Doc1. 
Johnson  &  Elsworth  Shin'd — they  beautifully  plead  my  Cause — I 
met  with  many  Valuable  Friends — indeed  the  vox  populi  was  finely 
in  my  favor — the  Whale  Boatmen  had  to  pay  the  Cost  (except  my 
own  Lawyer's)  it  wou'd  please  you  to  see  the  Approbation  of  all 
rank  of  people  that  I  beat  those  fellows — they  wish  they  had  never 
met  with  me.  I  have  had  much  trouble  &  vexation  with  those 
robbers — I  find  Mrs.  W is  not  a  little  chagrin'd  at  the  disap- 
pointment of  the  present — but  shews  as  much  firmness  as  its  possible 
for  a  Lady  to  do — you  know  her  noble  turn  of  mind  &  steadiness. 

Pray  write  me  a  long  Circumstancial  Letter  from  you,  all  the  News 
you  Can  think  of — is  our  Friend  Col.  Smith  at  Head  Qr.  or  near  you, 
is  He  Commissary  Gr.  of  Prisoners  ? — who  are  his  Deputies  ?  What 
is  going  forward  at  Camp  ?  who  are  the  Commiss.  on  the  side  of  the 
British? — who  from  us?  How  long  are  they  likely  to  be  out?  what 
is  said  about  my  Flag — what  said  E.  H*  &  others  ? — all  these  Ques- 
tions I  want  answer'd — these  last  Two  or  Three  Years  I  have  hardly 
heard  from  you  by  Letter  as  formerly.  I  am  now  extremely  Anxious 
to  have  a  lovely  long  Letter  from  You — as  to  family  matters  I  con- 
clude you  hear  the  Whole  from  Mrs.  B[ancker]  who  is  a  constant 
Writer  to  you,  She  appears  pleas'd  &  Happy — as  for  Hay  I  realy  feel 
Anxious  enough — the  Drowth  is  very  Great,  I  hope  to  have  but  little 
Stock — can  I  send  you  two  Horses  to  Sell  if  they  fall  choice  of  Good 
for  Waggon — do  Write  me  on  this  the  first  moment  you  can  after 
Rec*  this — how  is  the  Army  suplied  with  Provisions — Roots  &  Vege- 
tables. I  suppose  there  is  no  such  thing — wou'd  Ten  or  15  Loads 
of  Onions  sell  well  if  our  farmers  come  down  with  their  Carts  Loaded 
— what  can  they  bring  back — perhaps  Iron  if  they  can  clear  five 
Coppers  for  four  pounds  [ — ]  they  wu'd  be  content — do  turn  your 
Attention  to  think  what  shall  be  done  for  Butter ;  there  is  but  a  little 

*  Probably  Ebenezer  Huntington. 


422         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

now  and  there  will  be  much  less  I  fear  this  fall,  perhaps  in  your 
Vicinity  you  Can  meet  with  Some — it's  an  Object,  for  a  family  with- 
out Butter  is  distressing — we  must  renounce  Fish  &  all  good  Cook- 
ery— it's  very  Healthy  and  all  of  our  Friends  are  well — The  Jersey 
will  be  up  in  i  or  2  days,  when  I  shall  have  her  Gompleatly  over- 
hauled— I  send  you  a  Copy  of  Mr.  Clarkson's  last  Letter — I  have 
thoughts  of  sending  of  her  to  Curaso  but  am  not  determined — We 
have  not  heard  as  yet  from  FredV  Jay  who  was  Expected  Here  be- 
fore this  to  live  in  the  House  of  Moses  Tryon's  late  B  D[eane's]. 
The  Dancing  School  goes  on  quite  Clever — Sally  shines  as  one  of 
the  first  Misses — I  cant  close  without  acknowled?  the  Rec1.  of  sev- 
eral very  Affectionate  Letters  from  you  and  can  truly  say  I  feel  a 
most  grateful  Heart  for  them  and  am  happy  if  I  any  ways  give  you 
the  pleasure  yours  give  me — do  write  most  minutely  all  you  can 

think  of. 

Y\  Aff  Br? 
[Joseph  Webb.] 


FROM  FREDERICK  JAY. 

POUGHKEEPSIE,  7th  Octob  :   1 782. 

Dear  Sir: 

Your  very  obliging  favor  of  the  22?  ult?  covering  one  from  M? 
Bancker  came  safe  to  hand — they  would  have  been  answered  had  I 
not  at  the  time  of  their  being  received  labour'd  under  a  very  violent 
remitting  fever  which  lasted  me  upwards  of  three  weeks.  I  am  now 
thank  God  recovering,  tho'  still  confin'd  to  my  House.  The  fever 
has  left  me  in  a  very  weak  state,  tho'  I  find  my  strength  daily  in- 
creasing. You  will  please  to  make  my  best  respects  to  M\s  Bancker 
&  inform  her  that  my  late  indisposition  has  prevented  my  answering 
her  Letters  &  that  it  is  still  out  of  my  power  to  do  it.  You  will  also 
inform  her  we  are  obliged  in  consequence  of  my  illness  to  give  up 
all  thought  of  taking  the  house  at  Whethersfield,  but  are  in  hopes  of 
paying  her  a  visit  some  time  this  Fall. 

I  could  wish  it  were  in  my  power  to  pay  you  a  visit  at  Camp.  I 
believe  it  would  tend  to  my  advantage,  but  my  present  situation  will 
not  permit.  I  must  however  beg  a  favour  of  you,  which  I  make  no 
doubt  you'l  readily  comply  with  if  in  your  power.     I  am  informed 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  423 

that  Col?  Wadsworth  has  not  only  the  supplying  the  French  but 
American  Army's  with  every  necessary,  and  as  I  am  entirely  out  of 
business  and  being  disappointed  in  receiving  any  Interest  from  the 
Loan  office  (which  Congress  in  their  great  Wisdom  have  thought 
proper  to  stop)  and  upon  which  I  intirely  depended,  I  shall  take  it 
kind  in  you  to  endeavor  to  obtain  from  Mr.  Wadsworth  some  place 
under  him  either  in  the  purchasing  of  flour  or  other  wise,  so  that  I 
may  be  enabled  to  keep  myself  employed  &  have  it  at  the  same  time 
in  my  power  to  do  something  for  the  family.  If  the  French  Army 
should  move  to  Hartford  (&  I  am  informed  they  will)  I  should  have 
no  objection  of  moving  there  with  Mr.s  Jay  provided  I  could  make  it 
turn  to  advantage.  You  will  excuse  my  writing  thuse  freely  to  you, 
but  I  do  assure  you  this  last  Damnable  Act  of  Congress  has  quite 
unhinged  me.  I  would  have  wrote  to  M*  Wadsworth,  but  my  Ey's 
at  present  will  not  allow  me  to  do  it. 

I  sincerely  thank  you  for  the  N  Y  Paper  contai'g  Mr.  Coopers  Ad- 
vertizement,  but  there  is  no  relief  to  be  had  from  that  quarter  at 
present. 

I  shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  you  soon.  Mr.s  Jay  is  very  hearty 
&  joins  me  in  assuring  you  of  our  sincerest  affection  &  best  wishes 
for  your  health  and  happiness.  Adieu  my  D*  Sir  and  believe  me 
to  be  Yours 

Fred.  Jay. 


FROM    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 
[private.] 

Head  Quarters,  Octr  7th,  1782. 
Sir: 

I  was  surprised  to  learn  that  a  CompY  of  Light  Infantry  being 
down  the  River  yesterday  without  proper  orders  &  without  giving 
notice  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  Post  or  water  guards  (  ?) 
occasioned  an  alarm  in  that  Quarter — especially  after  the  General 
Order  of  Wednesday  last  was  issued  in  consequence  of  your  repre- 
sentation of  the  evils  which  would  arise  from  such  practices — Altho 
Capt  Webb  might  have  left  camp  before  the  Order  above  alluded  to 
was  made  public,  yet  as  you  were  well  apprized  of  the  impropriety 
of  such  proceeding  (as  appeared  by  your  representation)  I  cannot 


424        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

think  the  conduct  by  any  means  Soldier  like  or  conformable  to  good 
discipline — A  repetition  of  it,  I  am  persuaded  will  not  happen,  as  I 
have  given  positive  Orders  to  Capt.  Pray,  to  apprehend  &  send  to 
Head  Qr.s  under  guard,  All  Persons  who  may  hereafter  be  found 
down  the  River  in  the  same  Predicament. 

G°.  Washington. 


TO    GENERAL    WASHINGTON. 

Light  Infantry  Camp,  8*  Octo.,  1782. 

The  enclosed  report  from  Cap1.  Webb  will  convince 
your  Excellency  that  his  late  movement  by  water  was 
without  my  knowledge  or  consent. 

The  orders  to  the  officer  commanding  at  the  New- 
Bridge  have  in  some  degree  been  discretionary  about 
moving  down  with  the  whole  or  part  of  his  Company, 
always  to  leave  the  proper  guards  at  the  New  Bridge 
and  the  Mouth  of  Croton,  and  to  give  me  previous 
information  of  his  movement. — No  orders  were  given 
respecting  his  moving  by  water,  as  there  never  has 
been  a  Boat  left  there  on  any  pretence, — the  Boats  he 
had  were  some  which  had  gone  adrift  from  Verplanks 
point. 

Yesterday  morning  Cap1.  Webb  reported  to  me  the 
circumstance  of  his  going  down  by  Water,  which  I  was 
sensible  was  unmilitary,  but  Knowing  his  intentions 
were  good, — I  directed  him  immediately  to  go  to  Head 
Quarters  and  report  the  Circumstances  to  Your 
Excellency — he  saw  Col.  Tilghman  who  assured  him 
he  would  represent  it. 

I  have  had  occasion  several  times  to  send  Boats  to 
Tappan  and  the  Sloat  for  Forage — always  with  strict 
orders  not  to  go  within  shot  of  the  Eastern  Shore, — 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  425 

Your  Excellency  will  please  to  rest  assured  no  im- 
propriety of  this  Kind  shall  take  place  under  my 
orders. 

I  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  Esteem 

Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed*.  Serv*. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 

The  officer  now  at  New  Bridge  has  positive  orders 
not  to  send  any  part  of  his  Command  more  than  five 
or  six  miles  in  Front  of  Croton  without  particular 
orders  for  that  purpose. 


CAPTAIN   GEORGE  WEBB'S   REPORT. 

Light  Infantry  Camp,  Octobr  7,  1782. 
Sir: 

On  the  3?  Instant  while  I  had  the  Command  at  the  New  Bridge — 
I  was  informed  by  the  Inhabitants  that  two  Boats  were  ashore  at 
Sing-Sing,  whereupon  I  sent  a  party  of  Men  under  the  Command  of 
L*  Spring  to  take  and  bring  them  to  me — On  the  5*  a  Number  of 
Militia  Horsemen  came  to  the  Bridge  in  Order  to  pass  below — and 
I  having  discretionary  Orders  concerning  going  with  my  Party  at  any 
Time  without  extending  the  Time  beyond  24  Hours  thought  it  best 
for  the  Sake  of  procuring  Intelligence  to  take  this  Opportunity  and 
that  I  might  not  weary  my  men  to  put  them  into  those  two  Boats 
which  Ll.  Spring  brought  from  Sing-Sing — I  embarked  on  the  5*h 
about  two  OClock  in  the  afternoon  leaving  a  Serg1.  and  six  at  the 
Bridge  a  Corporal  &  4  at  the  Ferry  with  4  more  who  were  to  join 
those  2  guards  as  soon  as  they  returned  from  getting  Provision — 2 
went  down  as  far  as  Tarry  town  unmolested  in  fair  view  of  Captain 
Pray  without  his  taking  any  notice  landed  before  Sun  down,  and  re- 
mained there  until  7  OClock  at  which  Time  I  again  embarked  & 
went  as  far  as  Dobbs  ferry,  from  whence  after  leaving  4  men  as  a 
guard  to  the  Boats  I  March'd  down  in  order  to  see  what  I  could 
discover  and  return'd  to  Dobbs  about  8  oClock  the  next  morning 
and  again  embark'd  to  return  back — all  which  Time  I  could  not  dis- 
cern that  Major  Oliver  or  Capt?  Pray  had  any  Knowledge  of  my 


426        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

being  there  or  making  any  Signals  of  Alarm  until  I  had  passed  Tarry 
Town  on  my  way  back,  when  Captain  Pray  fired  a  gun — I  immedi- 
ately put  the  Boat  about  and  stood  for  him — he  then  fired  two  more 
— I  still  kept  on  towards  him  &  made  Signals  to  acquaint  him  who  I 
was — he  then  pushed  off  with  his  Boat  &  rowed  up  the  River — I  still 
rowed  towards  him  'till  we  had  got  within  Call  of  one  another.  I 
hailed  him  told  him  who  I  was  and  not  to  be  concerned — He  upon 
that  gave  me  Another  Shot — I  did  everything  in  My  Power  to  make 
him  acquainted. — but  all  I  could  get  from  him  was — "To  go  back 
again  " — I  then  lay  on  My  Oars  until  he  came  up  to  Lt.  Spring  and 
was  Satisfied  Concerning  the  Matter — after  this  I  proceeded  up  the 
River  and  returned  safe  back  to  my  Post. 

My  Intention  Sir  was  perfectly  innocent  and  the  Reason  of  my 
putting  the  men  on  board  the  two  Boats  was  to  make  it  more  easy 
for  them — the  Horsemen  kept  slowly  along  the  Shore  in  a  line  with 
me  so  that  had  any  Discovery  been  made  of  the  Enemy  I  should 
have  had  Immediate  Notice  from  them. 

This  Sir  is  all  the  Report  that  I  can  recollect  of  the  Matter — 
I  am  Sir  Your  most  obed*  Most  humble  Servant 

Ge?  Webb,  Cap*  * 


TO    JOSEPH    BARRELL. 

Light  Infantry  Camp,  near  Croton  River, 

Oct'  8*1782. 
Dear  Barrell  : 

Your  letter  of  the  23d   ult°   by  Mr.  Sandy  and  Mr. 

Taylor,  was  handed  me  some  days  since — as  I  lie  three 

Miles  from  Kings   ferry  they  did   not  call  on  me,  had 

they  I  would  have  been  happy  in  shewing  them  every 

attention  as  your  friends.    I  should  likewise  have  been 

pleased  to  have  had  an  Opportunity  of  asking  them 

many  questions  about  my  Boston  friends. — I  acknowl- 

*  George  Webb,  of  Massachusetts,  was  the  first  lieutenant  in.  the  third  regiment 
of  the  line  of  that  State;  promoted,  I  January,  1776,  to  be  a  captain,  in  which 
rank  he  remained  till  the  end  of  the  war. 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  427 

edge  my  friend  that  I  have  been  guilty  of  a  seeming 
inattention  to  you  and  my  Two  Sisters  but  rest  as- 
sured of  my  warmest  Friendship  and  Esteem,  my 
cares  as  a  Soldier  with  a  large  command,  want  of  con- 
veyance when  leisure  would  have  permitted  my  write- 
ing  and  want  of  subject  matter  that  could  have  been 
pleaseing  to  you  and  my  Sisters,  are  I  think  the  prin- 
ciple causes  of  a  long  silence. — Promiseing  reforma- 
tion &  more  attention  would  perhaps  only  add  to  the 
fault,  for  such  is  my  situation  I  can  promise  nothing. 
The  hurry  and  Bustle  of  a  Camp  life  has  been  more 
pleaseing  &  necessary  in  my  late  too  melancholly  situa- 
tion, than  any  other  could  have  been,  but  yet  many 
are  the  hours  I  find  to  reflect  on  my  misfortunes — I 
see  and  know  the  impropriety  of  repineing  at  the 
events  of  an  overuleing  power, — yet  'tis  hard  to  prac- 
tise. 

In  September  the  Light  Infantry  were  embodied  in 
Five  Battallions,  makeing  about  Twelve  Hundred  Men 
and  the  command  given  to  Me ;  it  placed  me  in  an 
enviable,  but  very  honorable  situation — and  I  flatter  d 
myself  the  Field  of  Glory  was  full  in  view — but  the 
prospect  seems  vanished — Campaign  is  nearly  pass'd 
without  our  seeing  the  Enemy — they  do  not  think  it 
prudent  to  quit  their  strongholds,  nor  will  the  Finances 
of  these  United  States  furnish  Money  for  Horses  to 
drag  our  Artillery,  or  Forage  to  subsist  them. — I  hope 
devoutly  the  War  is  nearly  over,  &  the  next  time  I 
enter  the  lists  of  an  Army,  of  Republican  States,  I  wish 
I  may  be  a  Corporal.  I  believe  we  shall  soon  get  clear 
of  the  War  with  the  British  myrmidons — but  if  we 
(America)  deserve  liberty,  I  am  Damnably  mistaken — 


428  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

We  poor  Dogs  shall  retire  with  broken  Constitutions 
&  Empty  purses,  and  the  Cursed  Sin  of  Ingratitude 
has  taken  such  deep  hold  of  our  Virtuous  Countrymen 
that  I  expect  a  chosen  few  only  will  know  Us.  but 
away  the  subject  it  only  puts  me  in  a  Pet.  I  intend  if 
Possible  to  take  with  me  Mrf  Bancker  and  spend  a  few 
weeks  with  you  in  Boston  between  this  and  Spring,  a 
winter  Evening  pass'd  at  your  Hospitable  fireside  will 
ever  give  me  a  heart  felt  sattisfaction — tell  Sally  & 
Hetty  I  love  them  and  the  little  ones  about  you, — re- 
member me  with  the  most  friendly  sentiments  to  our 
good  friend  Russell,  Otis,  &c  &c  I  enclose  you  sev- 
eral New  York  Papers,  they  are  the  latest  I  can  give 
you,  the  others  up  to  the  6th  Inst.  I  am  obliged  to 
transmit  to  Head  Quarters — none  contain  any  matters 
of  Importance, — no  man  on  Earth  wishes  you  more 
real  Happiness  than  your 

Affectionate  Brother 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM   GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters,  Ver  Planks  Point, 
Octr  25th,  1782. 
Sir: 

After  the  right  wing  of  the  Army  has  Marched,  On  Sunday  the 
27*  inst — you  will  remove  the  Camp  of  the  Light  Corps  to  a  con- 
venient &  warm  position  just  in  the  rear  of  the  Continental  Village, 
where  you  will  remain  until  further  Orders,  continuing  to  do  the 
duty  of  the  Lines  &  advanced  Posts  in  the  following  manner :  One 
compleat  Company  to  Mount  at  the  Post  of  Dobbs  Ferry,  one  Com- 
pany to  be  divided  between  the  Block  Houses  of  Ver  Planks  & 
Stoney  Points,  and  two  Companies  to  be  kept  constantly  in  your 
front  on  this  side  the  Croton,  these  latter  should  be  continually  re- 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  429 

moving  from  place  to  place,  &  keeping  up  Patroles  incessantly  in 
such  manner,  as  you  shall  think  best  calculated  to  cover  the  Country 
&  prevent  surprize. 

The  Garrison  of  Ver  Planks'  &  Stoney  Point  must  be  relieved  be- 
fore seven  o'Clock  on  Sunday  morn?  next  and  all  your  detached 
Commands  may  hereafter  be  relieved  weekly. 

You  will  Keep  up,  as  far  as  your  situation  will  admit,  a  communi- 
cation with  Col.  Sheldon  who  commands  at  Bedford,  &  send  out 
Scouts  towards  the  Enemy's  Lines,  whenever  you  may  judge  there  is 
occasion ;  reporting  to  me  every  remarkable  occurrence  which  shall 
come  to  your  Knowledge  &  sending  all  Deserters  who  may  arrive  at 
any  of  your  Posts  to  Head  Quarters — 

I  am  Sir  &<? 

G?  Washington. 

P.  S.  Altho  there  will  not  be  a  field  officer's  Command  at  Dobb's 
Ferry,  yet  the  importance  of  the  post  renders  it  essential,  that  the 
Major  whose  Battalion  is  on  duty,  should  be  there  to  Superintend 
the  general  business  of  that  Post — 


FROM    MAJOR   DEXTER. 

Camp,  Rhode  Island  Regj  ,  Novr  2nd,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

It  was  in  the  evening  before  I  reached  this  place  yesterday  not- 
withstanding no  time  was  lost  in  coming  hither. 

The  Light  Company  of  our  Regiment  is  to  go  to  the  northward, 
but  will  be  the  last  Company  to  embark,  and  orders  will  be  sent  you 
timely  for  their  detachment. 

I  have  seen  the  Soldier  who  owns  the  letters  of  Eloisa  &  Abelard 
and  no  arguments  or  offers  of  Satisfaction  could  prevail  on  him  to 
part  with  them. 

I  forgot  my  Sheets  which  are  in  your  chest  at  Miss  Sweet-lips,  and 
would  thank  you  to  deliver  them  to  Capt?  Allen  who  will  give  him- 
self the  trouble  of  restoring  them  to  me  on  his  junction. 

I  beg  you  to  conceive,  that  I  esteem  it  one  of  the  pleasures  of  my 
life  that  I  have  been  detached  under  your  immediate  command  for 
a  campaign  and  although  I  Sincerely  deprecate  the  further  continu- 


430        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

ance  of  this  war,  I  should  be  happy  hereafter  to  be  plac'd  in  the 
same  situation. 

My  love  to  Majors  Smith,  Wright  &  Capt?  Carlile  and  believe  me 

Your  most 

Obed*  Servant 

J1?0  S[inger]  Dexter. 


TO  GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 
Light  InfY  Camp,  Fryday  Even? ,  8!h  Nov1;  ,  1782. 
The  arrangement  of  the  Connecticut  Line  has  been 
so  Managed  that  Lieu*.  Colonel  [Ebenezer]  Gray  and 
Major  [Benjamin]  Throop  are  in  My  Regiment,  with 
these  Characters  (which  with  freedom  I  named  to  your 
Excellency  a  few  days  since)  it  is  impossible  the  Regi- 
ment can  ever  make  a  Military  appearance — 'tis  there- 
fore I  am  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  earnestly 
soliciting  your  Excellency  to  interfere  and  give  such 
directions  as  may  tend  to  the  good  of  Service, — Major 
[David]  Smith  (a  valuable  officer)  would  have  been 
arranged  in  my  Regiment,  but  that  Col°  Swift  held  him 
to  a  promise  made  at  a  time  when  he  Major  Smith 
supposed  that  Lt.  Colonel  Huntington  and  Major 
Wyllys  would  have  continued  in  my  Regiment. — Lieu1, 
Colonel  Gray  has  got  unlimited  leave  of  absence  from 
Your  Excellency  for  the  recovery  of  his  Health,  his 
disorder  complained  of,  Swell* d  legs  owing  as  is  uni- 
versally supposed  and  believed  to  too  free  a  use  of  Spir- 
its, and  he  gives  out  he  has  no  expectation  of  joining 
until  the  opening  of  next  Campaign — when  to  appear- 
ance he  is  in  perfect  Health — I  have  this  day  personally 
told  him  the  general  opinion  of  him,  and  that  he  could 
never  be  happy  in  a  Regiment  under  My  Command. — 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  431 

it  had  that  influence  on  him,  which  May  be  expected 
from  a  Man  who  from  an  immoderate  use  of  Liquors 
becomes  a  Brute, — was  he  to  continue  with  us  some 
steps  might  be  taken,  either  to  rid  the  Army  of,  or  re- 
form him,  this  is  not  a  sentiment  of  mine  singly,  but 
that  of  General  Huntington  and  a  Majority  of  the  Field 
Officers  of  our  Line. — too  Many  officers  have  been 
keep  on  our  Muster  Rolls — Sick  Absent,  &  I  have  no 
reason  to  suppose  but  that  this  will  be  the  case  with 
Col.  Gray  to  the  end  of  the  War,  if  he  is  permitted  to 
retire  on  furlough — I  Mentioned  to  him  he  Must  pre- 
pare to  return  by  the  is.fc  of  January  as  I  should  procure 
an  order  for  that  purpose,  his  answer  was  he  should 
not  attend  to  it,  as  his  Health  would  not  permit, — I 
mention  this  only  to  show  your  Excellency  the  benefit 
that  might  arise  from  his  continuing  in  Camp. 

Major  Throop  is  I  believe  an  Honest  Man  with 
personal  Bravery.  I  wish  I  could  add  other  Qualifica- 
tions requisite  for  an  Officer. — 

In  this  disagreeable  Situation  I  am  obliged  for  my 
Honor  and  for  the  good  [of]  Regiment  to  request 
Your  Excellency  will  order  me  relieved  from  the  Hon- 
orable and  pleasing  Command  I  am  now  in,  that  I 
may  attend  in  person  to  the  new  arranging  and  form- 
ing of  My  Regiment,  which  will  be  collected  at  West 
Point  in  the  course  of  Two  or  Three  days. — 

When  the  Regiment  is  put  on  a  proper  footing  I 
shall  be  induced  to  request  of  Your  ExcellX  leave  of 
Absence,  and  if  the  situation  will  admit,  doubt  not 
my  reasons  to  be  offered  are  such  that  I  shall  be  grati- 
fy'd — this  is  an  additional  cause  of  My  request  to  be 
relieved,  as  it  will  take  a  Month  or  Six  Weeks  to  put 


432         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

the  Regiment  in  that  order  for  Winter  Quarters,  which 
I  wish  to  leave  it. 

I  beg  the   subject  of  this  letter  may  be  a  sufficient 
apology,  for  the  freedom  with  which  it  is   wrote,  and 
that  Your  Excellency  will  be  assured  that 
I  am  with  Much  Esteem 

Your  Excellency's  Most  Obed*.  Serv1. 

Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM   GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters  [Newburgh],  Nov*  nth,  \^%2. 
Sir: 

As  there  has  been  no  official  Report  made  to  me  of  the  Arrange- 
ment of  the  Connecticut  Line,  I  cannot  interfere  in  the  matter ; — 
Nor  would  I  choose  to  make  alterations  in  it,  before  the  first  day  of 
January,  when  it  is  to  become  final, — if  there  does  not  appear  to  have 
been  some  deviation  from  the  principles  contained  in  the  Act  of 
Congress  of  the  7l.h  of  August,  or  injurious  to  the  public  interest. — 
The  good  of  the  Service,  I  hoped,  would  have  been  the  governing 
principle  in  arranging  the  Officers ;  and  I  cannot  but  flatter  myself, 
the  agreements  among  the  several  grades  of  Officers,  may  yet  be 
rendered  subservient  to  that  end. 

As  soon  as  Col  [Henry]  Jackson  shall  be  able  to  join  the  Light 
Corps,  (which  it  is  expected  will  be  the  case  in  a  few  days)  I  shaH 
have  no  objection  to  your  attending  to  the  particular  interests  of 
your  Regiment  in  the  Line. 

I  am  Sir 

Your  most  Obedient  Servant 

G°  Washington 


FROM    GENERAL   WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters,  Newburgh, 

Novr  19th  1782. 
Sir: 

As  Lieut  Col.  Smith  is  to  reside  near  the  Post  of  Dobb's  Ferry, 

for  the  purpose  of  transacting  the  business  of  his  Department  with 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  433 

more  accuracy  facility  &  dispatch ;  he  will  of  consequence  have  the 
charge  of  sending  &  receiving  Flags — and  therefore  the  presence  of 
the  Major  of  the  Battalion  of  light  Infantry  on  duty  will  not  be 
necessary  in  future  at  that  Post — You  will  be  pleased  to  direct  the 
Major  on  duty  to  take  the  immediate  superintendency  of  the  3 
companies  posted  at  Kings  Ferry  &  on  the  Lines  in  such  manner  as 
you  shall  judge  expedient ;  also  give  directions  to  the  Captain  of 
the  Company  stationed  at  the  Beach  House  at  Dobb's  Ferry  to  con- 
sider himself  under  the  Orders  of  Lieut  Col  Smith. 

I  am  Sir 

G?  Washington. 
P.  S.  In  future  the  relieving  Officer  will  receipt  to  the  Capt? 
Command?  at  the  Post  for  all  the  Provisions  public  stores  &c.  & 
deliver  a  duplicate  to  Col.  Smith. — The  present  Command?  Officer 
will  likewise  in  the  first  instance  deliver  to  him  the  Papers  relative 
to  the  Command  of  the  Post— After  the  next  relief  Col.  Smith  will 
regularly  report  to  Head  Quarters — 


INSTRUCTIONS   FOR   COLONEL  WEBB. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Officers  of  the Connecticut  Regiment, 

Nov.  22?  1782,  agreeable  to  the  request  of  Brigadier- General 
[Jedidiah]  Huntington  in  the  Orders  of  the  20th  Instant,  they  came 
to  the  Election  of  an  Officer  to  represent  them  in  a  Convention  to 
be  held  at  West  Point  on  Sunday  the  24th  Instant,  for  the  purpose 
of  devising  some  mode  for  the  Redress  of  the  many  Greviances, 
under  which  the  Army  now  Labour,  when  Colonel  Samuel  B. 
Webb  was  Unanimously  chosen  for  the  purpose.  We  are  therefore  at 
the  request  and  in  behalf  of  the  S<?  Officers  earnestly  to  request  his 
attendance  accordingly — 

To  enter  into  a  minute  and  particular  detail  of  the  many  and 
almost  intolerable  Grievances  through  which  the  Citizens  of  America 
in  the  Field,  have  struggled,  and  under  which  they  now  groan,  must 
give  pain  to  the  mind  of  sensibility,  and  call  up  a  train  of  reflections, 
upon  the  suppression  of  which  our  happiness  depends,  and  as  they 
must  be  fresh  in  the  mind  of  every  Officer,  the  Attempt  would  be 
superfluous. 


434        CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

Notwithstanding  we  are  fully  impressed  with  the  Idea,  that  our 
Necessities  call  for  the  most  immediate  and  effectual  relief,  yet  we 
wish  that  our  Conduct  on  this  Occasion  may  not  be  marked  with  an 
Intemperate  Zeal,  and  as  the  Army  have  exhibited  to  the  World  the 
most  Astonishing  Spectacle  of  persevering  Patriotism  and  Virtue  in 
distress  we  wish  not  at  this  late  Period,  when  our  troubles  appear 
Verging  to  a  happy  termination  to  cast  a  shade  upon  that  fame, 
which  we  hold  equally  dear  with  our  Lives,  but  that  our  Conduct 
may  be  dictated  in  prudence,  and  supported  with  firmness. 

Colonel  Webb  will  be  pleased  after  meeting  s?  Convention  and 
Agreeing  upon  some  mode  of  Redress,  or  Adopting  some  system  to 
be  pursued,  to  make  report  of  the  same,  for  the  Approbation  of  the 
Regiment  as  soon  as  may  be. 

For  and  in  behalf  of  the  Officers  of  Colonel  S.  B.  Webb's  Regt. 

Step?  Beits  Cap4. 

Hez?  Rogers  Cap1. 

Nathan  Beers,  Lieu* 


FROM    LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   TILGHMAN. 

Head  Quarters,  26  Novem.  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

I  have  your  favor  of  yesterday,  I  am  of  opinion  that  your  inform- 
ants deceive  you  as  to  an  embarkation  of  any  consequence  of  the 
foreign  troops.  I  believe  three  or  four  Reg1.5  of  British  are  certainly 
under  orders. 

Our  Finances  are  not  equal  to  the  demands  of  those  persons  who 
are  obliged  to  reside  within  the  Lines.  You  must  therefore  endeav- 
our to  make  your  intelligencers  content  with  the  little  matter  they 
make  by  going  backward  and  forward  with  small  Articles. 

The  General  has  nothing  just  now  but  to  ascertain  the  sailing  of 
the  Fleet  and  what  number  of  Troops  go  with  it. 

I  am,  Y*8  sincerely 

T.  Tilghman. 


FROM   GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

Head  Quarters,  Deer  2nd,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

You  will  be  pleased  to  order  two  complete  Compy5  of  Light  In 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  435 

fantry,  to  March  on  tuesday  the  3?  Ins1,  to  Bedford  to  assist  in  cover- 
ing a  Foraging  Party,  they  will  remain  at  that  place,  untill  they 
receive  orders  from  Maj1:  Talmadge,  who  has  directions  for  the  pur- 
pose ; — the  men  that  are  detached  on  [this  ser]vice  should  have  3 
or  [4  da]ys  provision ;  and  I  think  it  will  be  best  to  send  the  two 
Companies  who  are  stationed  near  the  Crotori — as  The  Corps  of 
Light  Infantry  will  be  relieved,  some  time  the  latter  part  of  this 
week —  I  am  Dr.  Sir 

Your  Most  obed*  Serv* 

G?   Washington. 

P.  S.  it  will  not  be  necessary  for  the  Major  of  the  Battalion  which 
is  on  duty  to  go  to  Bedford  with  the  two  Companies. 


TO   MAJOR-GENERAL  JEDIDIAH    HUNTINGTON. 

West  Point,  Dec1;  2? ,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

In  behalf  of  Col0?  Swift  and  myself  &  in  the  Name  of 
the  Officers  of  the  Regiment  we  respectively  Command, 
I  this  day  waited  on  His  Excellency  Gen1.  Washington 
on  the  subject  of  Numbering  the  Regiments — I  ex- 
pressed to  him  my  own  and  the  united  Sentiments  of 
the  Officers  of  the  two  Regiments,  that  they  ought  upon 
every  principle  to  be  numbered  according  to  the  Rank 
of  their  Commanding  Officers — and  asserted  that  it 
was  agreeable  to  the  principles  adopted  in  the  De- 
rangement of  1 780,  and  that  it  was  a  matter  fully  as- 
sented to  by  all  the  Field  Officers  of  the  former  five 
Regiments  on  the  day  we  were  to,  &  did  determine, 
What  Field  Officer  should  continue  in  Service.  After 
some  conversation  on  the  subject — his  Excellency,  told 
me  it  was  a  matter  of  perfect  indifference  to  him  how 
they  were  Numbered;  and  desired  me  to  present  you 
his  Compliments  and  request  you  would  have  the  mat- 


436         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

ter  Determined  in  the  Line — and  finally  if  we  could 
Not  determine  With  you,  the  matter  must  be  fully 
Represented  to  him  in  writing  by  both  parties — Your 
Brother  Lieu*  -Col°  Huntington  was  the  Man  who  first 
proposed  the  mode  of  Numbering  the  Regiments  the 
day  above  alluded  too.  Col°  Swift,  Butler,  &  my  self 
one  and  all  replied  it  was  agreeable  to  the  principle 
fixed  on  in  the  year  1780,  and  all  the  Field  Officers 
present  either  said,  or  agreed  to  the  principle — No  ob- 
jections in  any  one  instance  being  made,  I  am  therefor 
to  request  a  meeting  may  be  had  of  the  Officers  gen- 
erally (if  possible)  before  Col°  Swift  leaves  Camp,  and 
with  your  voice  determine  this  (I  conceive  important) 
point, — which  at  present  makes  the  Officers  very  Dis- 
satisfied. 

With   real    Esteem   I   am,   Dear  Sir,  Yr.  friend  & 
Obed*.  Serv1.  Sam1:  B.  Webb. 


FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   KNOX   TO   COL.    SWIFT. 

[West  Point],  Friday,  6  Dec,  1782. 
Dear  Sir  : 

The  General  Committee  are  requested  to  meet  at  Norton's  Tav- 
ern to  sign  the  address  and  take  the  last  steps  respecting  its  being 
forwarded  to  Congress.  Will  you  please  to  inform  Colonel  Webb. 
We  shall  go  from  hence  about  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

I  am,  Dear  Sir,  your  obe*  Serv1. 

H.  Knox. 


FROM   CAPTAIN   CARLILE. 

Lf  Infantry  Camp,  Saturday  Morning 
Continental  Village,  7  Deer  ,  1 782. 
Dear  Colonel  : 

I  cannot  take  leave  of  you,  without  expressing  the  high  sense  I 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  437 

have  of  your  attention  and  Politeness  to  me  while  acting  under  your 
Command. 

Nothing  can  add  to  the  happiness  I  have  had  with  you  during 
the  campaign  but  your  testimony  of  your  having  discharged  the 
duties  of  my  office  to  your  satisfaction.  Be  assured  my  Dear 
Colonel  that  I  esteem  you,  and  shall  with  your  Permission  enroll 
you  among  the  number  of  my  Dearest  friends. 

As  I  ever  regard  the  recommendation  of  my  friend  as  an  obliga- 
tion which  I  am  bound  to  fulfill,  I  must  beg  that,  if  my  conduct 
whilst  in  the  field  has  been  satisfactory  to  you,  that  you  will  take 
occasion  to  mention  it  to  my  friend  General  [Edward]  Hand. 

Wishing  you  every  species  of  happiness  which  the  field  of  Glory, 
or  the  tranquility  of  a  domestic  life  can  afford,  I  beg  leave  to  sub- 
scribe myself,  Dear  Colonel,  your  affectionate  Friend  and  very  Hble 
Serv* 

J[ohn]  Carlile 

Please  to  make  my  complim!  acceptable  to  Cap1.  J.  Webb. 


FROM   COLONELS    SWIFT   AND   WEBB   TO    GENERAL 
WASHINGTON. 

West  Point,  December  nth,  1782. 
It  is  with  pain  we  are  obliged  to  trouble  your  Excellency  on  the 
subject  of  numbering  the  Regiments,  had  the  principles  which  we 
adopted  in  1780  which  has  ever  given  general  satisfaction — and  the 
agreement  made  by  all  the  Field  Officers  on  the  first  of  November 
last  when  we  met  to  make  the  derangement,  been  adhered  to  by 
Col?  Butler,  we  should  not  at  this  time  had  cause  to  address  your 
Excellency.  General  Huntington  knows  and  acknowledges  that  two 
Thirds  of  the  Officers  of  the  Line  are  for  continuing  the  principle, 
he  is  likewise  fully  acquainted  with  the  agreement  made  by  the  Field 
Officers  on  the  first  of  November  last,  and  we  presume  to  add  that 
it  ever  has  been  fully  his  sentiment  that  the  principle  was  a  just  one, 
— one  which  he  approved  of  and  knows  has  given  perfect  satisfac- 
tion in  the  Line, — he  likewise  knows  to  deviate  from  it  at  this  time 
will  cause  the  greatest  uneasiness  with  Two  Thirds  of  the  Officers  of 


433         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

the  Line, — he  prefers  the  dispute  being  refer'd  to  your  Excelly  — 
though  we  conceive  it  a  business  which  ought  to  be  determined  as 
formerly  by  an  agreement  of  a  Majority  of  the  Line. 

We  think  it  necessary  to  be  particular  in  informing  your  Excel- 
lency that  when  the  reform  of  1 780  took  place  The  Field  Officers 
met  and  agreed  that  the  Regiments  should  be  numbered  agreeable 
according  to  the  Rank  of  their  Colonels  or  Commanding  Officers, 
this  mode  was  approved  of  by  General  Parsons  and  declared  in 
Division  Orders, — had  other  principles  been  adopted,  the  late  5* 
was  and  might  have  continued  the  i!1 — in  this  situation  we  have 
since  continued  in  perfect  harmony, — at  our  meeting  last  November, 
when  every  Field  Officer  of  the  Five  Regiments  was  present  it  was 
agreed,  (prior  to  our  determining  who  were  to  retire  &  who  to  con- 
tinue in  Service)  that  the  Three  Regiments  when  formed  should  be 
numbered  according  to  the  Rank  of  the  Commanding  Officers, — and 
we  are  surprized  to  find  those  Gentlemen  who  were  most  forward  in 
establishing  and  renewing  this  agreement  should  be  the  only  ones,  to 
request  a  deviation.  Had  no  principle  ever  been  established  before, 
we  conceive  this  was  sufficiently  binding,  but  more  so  when  it  was 
continuing  a  principle  which  had  been  solemnly  established  Two 
Years  since.  We  take  the  liberty  of  enclosing  to  your  Excellency 
our  letter  to  General  Huntington  on  the  subject,  and  one  wrote  Col? 
Butler  of  this  days  date,  notifying  him  of  this  our  application,  that 
he  or  in  his  absence  the  commanding  Officer  of  his  Regiment  may 
offer  reasons  (if  any  they  have)  why  our  request  should  not  be  com- 
plied with.  We  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency  we  should  not 
trouble  you  on  this  occasion,  were  it  possible  we  could  have  justice 
done  Us  in  any  other  way,  and  were  we  not  fully  sensible  that  the 
happiness  of  a  large  Majority  of  the  Line,  and  the  good  of  service 
required,  a  continuation  of  the  Principles  agreed  upon. 

With  perfect  Sentiments  of  Esteem  we  are. for  ourselves  and  the 
officers  of  our  respective  Regiments 

Your  Excellency's 

Most  Obed1.  Servants 

Heman  Swift. 

Sam?  B.  Webb. 


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SkMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB.  439 

FROM   MAJOR-GENERAL   Mc  DOUGALL. 

R.  House,  15  December,  1782. 
D»  Sir: 

I  received  your  note  this  Evening  by  David  Gardner,  and  am 
much  obliged  to  you  for  the  trouble  you  have  taken  to  furnish  me 
with  a  Lad  for  my  Journey.  I  can  with  great  truth  assure  you  I  had 
no  suspicion  of  your  wanting  inclination  to  serve  me ;  but  I  know 
officers  in  general  are  reluctant  to  part  with  their  men,  and  this  in- 
duced me  to  conclude  they  might  not  be  as  particular  in  their  re- 
ports to  you  of  the  Qualities  of  the  men  as  I  wished. 

David  Gar[d]ner  must  do,  as  my  time  will  not  now  admit  of  other 
arrangements.  Please  to  cause  him  to  return  with  his  Cloaths  as 
soon  as  he  can.  His  assistance  will  be  wanted  tomorrow,  whenever 
he  can  return.  I  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  information  respecting 
Hector  Williams,  but  for  the  reason  above  mentioned,  I  shall  not 
make  the  application.  I  expect  we  shall  set  off  on  Tuesday  morn- 
ing, if  the  weather  is  fair.  I  know  of  nothing  that  can  detain  me ; 
but  the  shoeing  of  my  Horses.  I  wrote  General  Knox  yesterday  by 
Cap1.  Frothingham  of  the  train,  to  know  whether  the  Commander- 
in  Chief  had  been  applied  to  for  his  permission  to  the  Committee  to 
go  to  Phil?  — But  not  hearing  from  him  to  day,  I  suspect  the  note 
has  miscarried.  Will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  know  of  him  whether  he 
received  that  note  ?  and  if  he  has  to  drop  me  his  answer. 

I  am,  D*  Sir,  with  great  regard,  your  affec't  Humble  Servant 

Alex  M?  Dougall.* 


ARRANGEMENT   OF   REGIMENTS. 

[Murderer's  Creek,  19  December,  1782.] 
On  the  i*.  of  Nov1:  last  by  order  of  Gen1.  Huntington  the  Field 
officers  of  the  five  Connect  Reg1.8  met  to  determine  which  of  them 
were  to  continue  in  service  after  agreeing  to  a  mode  to  proceed  in. 
L*.  Colonel  Huntington  requested  the  number?  of  Reg18  might  be 
determined  on  prior  to  our  writing  our  names  and  proposed  that 
they  should  be  1.  2.  3  according  to  the  Rank  of  their  commanding 
Officers, — to  which  Col?  Swift  replied  (then  holding  the  Pen  in  his 

*  McDougall  wanted  a  waiter  to  accompany  him  to  Philadelphia. 


440         CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF 

hand)  that  it  was  agreeable  to  the  principles  established  in  the  Line 
and  from  which  he  imagined  no  one  would  think  of  deviateing, — 
Col?  Webb  and  several  others  spoke  to  the  same  purpose,  whether 
every  one  present  absolutely  said  Yes  is  not  material,  the  greater 
part  however  did — and  several  added,  that  principle  was  established 
by  the  general  voice  of  the  Line  in  1 780. 

And  we  do  positively  declare  that  not  a  officer  present  made  the 
least  objection  to  the  principle,  but  assented  to  it,  nor  did  we  ever 
know  any  attempt  to  introduce  the  principle  now  pressed  by  Col? 
Butler  untill  12  or  14  days  after  when  Colonels  Butler,  Swift  &  Webb 
were  makeing  out  a  report  to  General  Huntington  in  which  we  an- 
nexed the  number  of  regiments.  Colonel  Butler  said  he  would  sign 
no  paper  by  which  it  could  appear  that  he  was  the  cause  of  haveing 
the  number  of  the  Regiment  he  then  commanded,  altered, — could  it 
have  been  supposed  by  us  that  a  dispute  of  this  kind  would  have 
arose  after  this  our  agreement,  &  which  was  agreeable  to  the  princi- 
ples on  which  the  Line  was  formed,  we  should  undoubtedly  had  it 
made  in  writing — for  with  confidence  we  presume  to  say  had  a  mat- 
ter of  that  kind  been  proposed  it  would  have  been  agreed  to,  unless 
it  had  been  acknowledged  that  an  agreement  made  in  that  way  was 
equally  binding  as  though  it  had  all  our  Signatures  to  it.  present 
Colos  Majors  L*  Colonels 

[Heman]  Swift  [David]  Smith  [Jonathan]  Johnson 

[Samuel  B.]  Webb  [Benjamin]  Throop  [Ebenezer]  Huntington 
[Zebulon]  Butler  [John  P.]  Wyllys       [Ebenezer]  Gray. 

L*.  Col  Com^    [Isaac]  [Wills]  Clift 

Sherman  [Joseph  A.]  Wright 

[Thomas]  Grosvenor     [Robert]  Warner 


FROM   LIEUTENANT-COLONEL   SMITH. 

Dobb's  Ferry,  25th  Dec'r,  1782. 
My  D'r  Webb  : 

You  are  too  well  assured  of  my  friendship  to  attribute  my  silence 
to  anything  that  can  be  injurious  to  the  sentiment  upon  which  it  is 
founded.  The  true  reason  is,  that  I  am  so  pressed,  Front,  Flank  & 
Rear,  with  official  business,  that  my  pen  is  constantly  imployed.  I 
have  not  since  I  saw  you,  had  the  least  intermission,  but  have  been 


SAMUEL  BLACHLEY  WEBB, 


confined  almost  as  closely  as  Mars,  that  Harsh  murdering  deity  of 
war,  as  I  formerly  was  by  the  God  of  Love,  who  assisted  by  his 
mother,  spread  the  silken  net  with  an  enchanting  grace,  &  proved 
more  successful  in  his  capture  than  I  believe  his  intentions  were  en- 
titled to.  However  the  Little  Villain  being  almost  conquered,  I  have 
re-enlisted  under  the  banners  of  Mars,  &  shall  continue  his  faithful 
soldier  as  long  as  he  keeps  them  displayed. 

Under  whose  shadow  should  I  conquer  or  prove 
I'll  rest — Superior  to  the  arts  of  Love. 

I  find  myself  running  into  such  a  singular  train  of  thought  and  ex- 
pression, that  I  must  check  myself  in  pursuing  the  Labyrinth ;  I 
shall  not  only  involve  myself,  but  lead  my  friend  into  difficulties  from 
which  we  may  have  trouble  in  extricating  ourselves.  Therefore, 
altering  my  phraseology,  I  shall  in  as  plain  terms  as  the  English  lan- 
guage will  at  present  furnish  me  with 

what  I  intended  ab  origine,  Imprimis — damn  it,  here  creeps  in 
Latin,  what  will  you  expect  next  ?  I  think  I  hear  you  say  with  the 
sprightly  Frenchman — Vive  la  Lafayette — well,  agreed.  For  it 
affords  them  much  mirth  &  as  allies,  what  makes  them  laugh  should 
at  least  in  us  produce  a  grin. 

I  will,  however,  attempt  to  inform  you  of  that  which  I  intended 
when  I  sat  down  should  be  the  subject  of  this  Letter.  It  is  that  the 
prospect  of  accompanying  you  to  Connecticut  has  vanished.  I  have 
expressed  a  wish  to  the  Gen'l  to  be  relieved,  but  he  strokes  my  back 
with  the  idea  of  command,  &c,  and  thinks  I  had  better  stay,  to 
which  you  know  I  must  submit.  Inclosed  is  a  letter  for  Dady.  If 
you  visit  our  friends  shake  the  males  by  the  hand,  salute  the  females 
for  me  with  your  usual  delicacy,  and  tell  them  it  is  the  present  I 
send  accompanied  with  the  compliments  of  the  season. 

I  am,  D'r  Sam,  Your  friend, 

[William  Stephen]  Smith, 
A.  D.  C. 

*  From  the  Reminiscences  of  General  Samuel  B.  Webb,  279. 

End  of  Volume  II. 


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